The combination of the driest climate in Switzerland (annual precipitation: 550 mm) and stony ground that absorbs hardly any water explains the predomination of Scots pine in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. Three quarters of the natural landscape here is covered with pine woodland.

In the under storey beneath the outwardly homogenous forest canopy lies a hidden wealth of plant life. Rare orchids grow on the northern slope, protected by the heather. The small scorpion vetch and yellow bartsia, plants found nowhere else in Switzerland, thrive quietly here in the sedge on the landslide hills. Here, the extreme conditions shape the trees: at the top of the hills, the pines take on a bonsai appearance, growing to a height of no more than 6 to 8 m.

The pine woodland, with its white sedge, covers large areas between the hills and on the Illgraben cone. The pines thrive best in the low-lying, humid areas where humus accumulates. It is here that you will hear the monotonous churring sound of the nightjar on a May evening.

Please take great care: the pinewoods present a high fire risk!