Through heathland and water

Follow these signs

Eine einfache Zeichnung eines Fahrrads und eines Fisches

This tour promises tranquillity and scenic beauty as you follow waterways through the heathland. Away from the busier roads, for about 80km (100km circuit) you will experience one of the most beautiful natural experiences: an encounter with the barren heathland landscape with the diverse world of water.

From Winsen, follow the cycle paths along the course of the Luhe, the Wümme and the Seeve. You reach Lüneburg Heath Nature Park close to Garstedt. Towards Salzhausen, Garlstorfer Wald Landscape Protection Area extends to the right of the Luhe. The flat, forested landscape is made for cycling. The flora and fauna of this valley is influenced by the proximity of the water. The high groundwater level results in wet grasslands and wet meadows alternating with riparian and carr woodland.

On your way to Amelinghausen you follow the Lopau – a natural heathland river. It leads you to an early testimony of human settlement of the Heath. The so-called "Oldendorfer Totenstadt" is an extensive graben area with large megaliths and burial mounds, erected about 4,000 years ago.

Perhaps the most intimate connection between heathland and water can be found in the middle of Schwindebeck Heath. Into a water surface of about 30 square metres, crystal-clear water bubbles and whirls from the ground. In different light conditions, wonderful colours can be seen here at the source of the Schwindebach.

In Iserhatsche Landscape Park, near Bispingen, art and architecture connect with water and landscape in a terraced lake system, based on masterpieces of garden art.

The typically familiar landscape is waiting for you in the nature reserve around Wilsede and Wilseder Berg. Follow the Wümme to Undeloh. This small heathland village in the middle of the Nature Reserve is home to the "Heide-Erlebniszentrum". The route takes you to the source of the Seeve, through Soltau monastery forestry via Handeloh, with its "Alte Schmiede" natural history museum, and on to Inzmühlen. In Teufelsmoor, by the fish ponds, in the Seeve meadows, on the Holmser or at Lüllau watermill, you will discover the diversity that results from the meeting of heathland and water, of man and nature.

To learn more about the influence of water in the heathland landscape, go to wetlands and water.