NA3 Heidschnuckentour

42.51 km
03:00 h
241 hm
94 m
46 m
Very easy
Tour information for download:

The 42-kilometer circular tour leads from Ebstorf to Hanstedt I with its historic water mill. The mill technology of the former oil and grain mill is still preserved and can be visited: H. Müller, Tel. 05822-3915. A few kilometers further, a wall-ditch system is hidden in the forest floor near Bode. It suggests a defensive and fortification character of the castle that once stood here. Between the nature reserves "Maschbruch" and "Arendorfer Moor", where cranes also breed, you continue cycling on a small road with sparse rows of trees, hedges, and small forests. After Brockhöfe, you reach the Ellerndorfer juniper heath. In summer, it is incredibly beautiful when it blooms in bright purple. Perhaps take a few steps on the sandy paths or take a break at the sheepfold. During the heather bloom, you often come across the cute Heidschnucken here. Next stop: the Rheinmetall shooting range behind Eimke. At the gate, an information board points to the Kiehnmoor and the Große Heide on the Rheinmetall site. If there is no activity, you can ride on the marked paths in the shooting range area - never leave the paths! The nature here is almost undisturbed and a habitat for red deer and rare bird species. At the Gerdaustausee, you can observe waterfowl. Otherwise, from the gate, the path leads to the left towards Wichtenbeck. You drive on a boardwalk through alder forests. You reach Wichtenbeck and then Dreilingen, the southernmost point of the route, with dry feet. Heading back north, you cross the nature reserve "Mönchsbruch". Here, natural marsh, riparian, and spring forests are emerging to replace the conifer plantations. An information board provides information about the young nature reserve. In Gerdau, the idyllic spot at the wooden bridge over the Gerdau is a perfect resting place. In the next village, Barnsen, you can daydream about flying at the motor and glider airfield - or even take a flight yourself! Just ask the flight director. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, a walk in the Arboretum Melzingen is recommended, the "Garden of the 800 Trees". The garden cafe treats you to freshly baked cake. Through the Bobenwald, you return to Ebstorf. Here, the heath monastery awaits visitors with art treasures and the faithful Ebstorf world map from the 13th century (Tel. 05822-2304).