Argen Nature Restoration

Located in the small town of Wangen – home to just 27,000 inhabitants, the Argen river once served as the town’s lifeline. Over the last few decades, the river was heavily built up with barrages, disrupting the balance between nature and residents. Over the last 10 years the city set out to change this by restoring the river as an accessible, vibrant part of town where both nature and people thrive.

To re-establish space for the river, certain areas needed to be stabilized, trees removed, and barrages dismantled, while new rough ramps were constructed. The riverbanks were reinforced using bioengineering techniques, allowing interested visitors to learn about a range of construction methods – from reed fascines and Krainer walls to stone fills with willow cuttings. These methods not only stabilize the course of the river, but also improve water quality.

Habitat diversity has been multiplied through the incorporation of horseshoes, fish ladders, shallow water zones and oxbow lakes resulting in the increase of local flora and fauna. In some areas, the river was able to regain its natural flow dynamics. Erosion and sediment are permitted here, with “sleeping belays” in place to support maximum natural development.