Wolf tour (North Route)

The wolf was originally widespread throughout the entire northern hemisphere. Conflicts between wolves and humans have significantly reduced the population and range of the species. After more than 100 years of absence, wild wolves have re-established themselves in Germany. Protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act since 1980, these animals are migrating from neighboring countries. In 2000, the first wolf pups in a long time were born in Lausitz (Saxony). They are now present in several federal states, including Lower Saxony.

The approximately 100-kilometer-long signposted bike tour "Wolf Tour" with its information boards is divided into a northern and a southern route. The tour aims to objectively shed light on the current topic of "The return of the wolf to Germany." It leads from the Wolf Center Dörverden through large forest, moor, and heath areas as well as extensive grassland areas around Lichtenmoor, the former hunting ground of the "Strangler of Lichtenmoor," to Wolfstein in the Schotenheide near Ahlden (Aller), where the "Strangler" was shot in 1948. This was a large male wolf. The hunting ground assigned to the "Strangler" was a roughly 30 square kilometer area in the districts of Neustadt, Heidekreis, and Nienburg/Weser, with its center in the sparsely populated Lichtenmoor.

Topics such as "Why were wolves hunted?", "The return of wolves," "What do wolves eat?", "The difference between dog and wolf," "Wolf biology," or "Wolf and human - what to do when encountering?" are covered by information boards. The Wolf Tour is designed for both young and old, from the informational content of the boards to the topography of the route. As it is a circular route, the starting point can be flexibly chosen. An excellent starting point is the Wolf Center Dörverden. The total tour of 100 km can also be completed in two days with the connecting route.

In Rodewald (Wolf Tour South Route), there is a detour signposted to the local museum. There is an exhibition there on the topic of "The Strangler of Lichtenmoor."

Wolf Center Dörverden - Experience all about the wolf
The Wolf Center Dörverden provides public information about wild wolves that are autonomously recolonizing in Germany. The team of employees at the Wolf Center shows the many visitors the opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with the wolf's expansion. Several times a day, visitors learn all about the biology and ecology of wolves in an approximately one-hour guided tour. Daily feeding demonstrations complete the program. In addition, two large exhibitions featuring real wolf specimens, amazing photographs, and interactive exhibits provide insight into the lives of these fascinating animals. Two natural playgrounds and a water playground also offer space for young guests to play, and in the "Wolf Territory" restaurant, visitors can enjoy freshly prepared dishes and delicacies. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are various options available, such as Indian teepees between the enclosures, guest rooms, and two exclusive treehouse hotels, offering the opportunity to listen to the howling of the wolves at night.

Wolf Center GbR
Kasernenstr. 2, 27313 Dörverden-Barme
Tel. (04234) 94311-0
[email protected], www.wolfcenter.de

The Strangler of Lichtenmoor.
The Strangler of Lichtenmoor refers to a fictional predator that allegedly preyed on numerous domestic and wild animals around Lichtenmoor, northeast of Nienburg/Weser in Lower Saxony in 1948. The search for the Strangler and speculations about the type of animal it could be were accompanied by rapidly growing media interest nationwide and led to extensive but unsuccessful hunts. A wolf shot by a hunter in August 1948 revived the story, which at that time had already been largely ignored.

Reports on the number of killed prey animals, the wounds inflicted, and other evidence make it clear that the vast majority of cases were poaching and illegal slaughtering, which were not uncommon due to meat shortages and food rationing in the post-war period. It is striking that the cases attributed to the Strangler significantly decreased after the currency reform on June 21, 1948, and the subsequent relaxation of the food market.

A wolf is said to be the Strangler.
On August 27, 1948, when the number of animal losses attributed to the "Strangler" had already greatly decreased, the 61-year-old farmer Hermann Gaatz from Eilte (Heidekreis) shot a wolf from a raised hide in the Schotenheide, as it was stalking some deer. The next day, he found the animal, a six-year-old male wolf, measuring 1.70 meters in length, 85 centimeters in shoulder height, and weighing 95 pounds. At the location in Schotenheide near Ahlden (Aller) where the wolf was shot, the Lower Saxony Hunting Association erected a "Wolf Stone" in commemoration. (Source: Wikipedia)

Here is the link to the Wolf Tour South.
You can also find the tour on Komoot.

Safety Instructions:
Throughout the entire tour, it is advised that the bike paths are used at one's own riskno guarantee is given for the usability of the bike pathsin cities, general attention is requiredplease use existing bike paths on the tourbe prepared for hazardous spots on the tour, such as bollards, turnstiles, and unsupervised crossings of federal roads - especially important for families with young children cycling.