Naturschutzpark Lüneburger Heide Things to Do

This park is a ornothological zoo with all kinds of flying and non-flying birds from all over the world - the biggest of its kind in Germany. The park contains species like eagles, raptors, vultures, ostriches, cassuaries, ducks, geese, parrots, peackocks, penguins and pelicans as well as smaller birds.

The "Heidschnucke" is the domesticated sheep species typical for the region Lüneburger Heide. In historic times, they were popular with the local farmers as they thrive even on the poor diet the heather areas provide. At the same time, they distinctively shaped the local landscape as the grazing flocks of Heidschnucke sheep ensured that the heather area would remain open and not evolve into woodland. In historic times, almost 300.000 sheep were grazing in the Lüneburger Heide area.

The "Totengrund", which could possibly translated as "death`s domain", is a wide crater around which one can hike and enjoy the views of the heather landscape within. It is a stark contrast to the otherwise rather even terrain of the Lüneburger Heide. Often, you can see herds of "Heidschnucken" sheep grazing within the Totengrund.

The tiny hamlet of Wilsede, which cannot be reached by car as it is located in the national park "Lüneburger Heide" has a few old farm houses and the "Heide-Museum", a restored historic farm that shows how people managed to scratch a living from the poor soil in this area "in the olden days". The restaurant "Gasthof Heidemuseum" is a very convenient stop-over for a drink or a meal between hikes!

4 more images

Another great attraction for the whole family is the Heideaprk Soltau, a big ammusement park, which offers a lot of fun and action.

For more pleease see my Heidepark Soltau-Page

Beside the great nature and landscape the lUeneburg Heath has also many manmade attractions. For example the bird park in Walsrode. This is a wonderful place full of exotic birds and lovely roses.

For more please see my Walsrode-Page!

The ideal time to visit the Lüneburger Heide is end of August, when the heath blooms. Wast areas are then covered with red and lilac blooing flowers. a great sight! I am very sorry, that I do not have a pic of the. But I have seen it once and it is fantastic! Other very typical plants of the Lüneburg Heath are pine trees and birch trees.

The Lueneburg Heath has beautiful nature with wide areas with heath and many forrests. It is an ideal area for hiking and horse riding. There are no high mountains. The highest is Wilseder Berg with almost 170m.