Löcherfluss

Löcherfluss is a perennial river in the central lowland region known as Mittelland. It rises in the Karsthochland near the village of Hohenkamm and travels southeast for about 96 kilometers, draining into the freshwater lake Großsee.

The name derives from the German words Löcher (holes) and Fluss (river), referring to a series of natural sinkholes along the bed that intermittently swallow parts of the flow during flood events, with water reemerging downstream.

After leaving the highlands, the river enters Löchertal, where limestone cliffs create narrow gorges and a cascade system. It widens on the plain and forms floodplain wetlands, with several side channels.

Flow is strongly seasonal; average discharge is around 1.2 m3/s, with peaks in spring from snowmelt and autumn rains. The bed is influenced by karst dynamics, producing abrupt changes in level. Water chemistry is mesotrophic, with moderate nutrient content and relatively clear water in most sections.

The river supports brown trout and European eel, with beaver and otter along the banks. Its riparian zones host willow and alder woodlands, supporting birds, bats, and a diverse invertebrate fauna. The surrounding wetlands provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and amphibians.

Historically, Löcherfluss was used for milling and timber rafting. Today a small hydroelectric plant operates on the upper course, and the floodplain is used for irrigation and grazing. The surrounding valleys attract hikers, kayakers, and nature observers.

Parts of Löcherfluss lie within the Löcherfluss Nature Reserve, which protects water quality and habitats. The ecosystem is monitored for nutrient input, invasive species, and sedimentation, with local communities engaged in stewardship and educational programs.