Great circular hike through the nature reserve Hainholz-Beierstein

Short Description

Big circular hike NSG Hainholz-Beierstein: Nature and cultural landscape on gypsum in the South Harz

Directions

The cultural and natural history is touched on during the hike as well as karst water, caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams, and karst springs, the settlement of Düna as well as landscape conservation with the Harzer Red Mountain Cattle to be found around Düna. The route leads along the Rötzelwanderweg and opens up the karstification at Beierstein, whose waters flow to Förste.

All further information about the area can be found on the information boards in the area. We recommend taking the circular route clockwise, so first heading into Hainholz from the start. There is a small nature trail with ten signs there.

Nature conservation in Hainholz: The gypsum karst landscape in the South Harz is of unique natural value, great scenic beauty, and offers habitat for a diverse flora and fauna. The states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia have a special responsibility with regard to the gypsum karst landscape and have ... protected valuable parts of the gypsum karst landscape ... Nature and landscape conservation should also develop from the region and be supported by the local residents, municipalities, and associations. ...

In this excerpt from the statement by the three environmental ministers from Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia in 1999, it is exemplified what work has been done around Hainholz, Beierstein, and the gypsum karst landscape between Schwiegershausen, Hörden, and Düna in over 40 years by many: by citizens, farmers, municipalities, the district of Osterode, the state of Lower Saxony, the federal administration, universities and scientists, associations, and initiatives. It is thanks to this broad-based, diverse effort that today, for example, during the popular Sunday hikes on the karst hiking trail, numerous residents of Schwiegershausen, Düna, Hörden, and other South Harz residents and their guests can experience an intact cultural and natural landscape here.