Rannatal route

The Ranna is the border river between the municipalities of Neustift i.M. and the neighbouring municipality of Hofkirchen. The Ranna reservoir with its 45 metre high dam was built in 1950 to generate electricity and is a popular destination for hikers and anglers in particular.
In spring, when the snow melts, the overflowing Rannastausee creates a special natural spectacle. The masses of water rush over the dam wall and the Ranna River, which otherwise flows leisurely below the dam wall, becomes a raging torrent within a few minutes.

During the fishing season, it is a dream come true for many people to go fishing at the Rannabadesee and Rannastausee lakes.

The steep slopes are partly forested and partly consist of unwooded boulder streams, which are extremely rare at these altitudes. The natural conditions make cultivation almost impossible here, which is why this natural area has the character of a pristine landscape. The diversity of lichens and mosses in the Ranna Valley is outstanding. Five new lichen species alone have been scientifically proven to exist here for the first time. The dam wall has almost dried up the river, especially in the upper part of the forest. Only further down in the valley do streams from side valleys bring in significant amounts of water again, which find their way to the Danube via the smooth stones and rocks of the riverbed. The primeval forests of the Ranna Valley also provide ideal habitats for many animal species, such as the eagle owl and the black stork.