Top 20 Natural Monuments around Westerau
Best natural monuments around Westerau offer diverse natural landscapes, including unique moorlands and waterways. The region is characterized by its protected natural areas, providing habitats for varied flora and fauna. Westerau's surroundings feature significant natural attractions, such as the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve, known for its rare ecosystems. These areas provide opportunities for exploring tranquil settings and observing specialized natural environments.
Best natural monuments around Westerau
- The most popular natural monument is Brenner Moor Nature Reserve, an other natural…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Brenner Moor Nature Reserve
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Brenner Moor Nature Reserve
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Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal
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Herrenteich Reinfeld
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Fischhuser Bridge over the Herrenteich, Reinfeld
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The Herrenteich Pond is located in the heart of the carp town of Reinfeld. It was artificially created in the 12th century by Cistercian monks as a reservoir for the Heilsau River for fish farming. Carp are still bred here today. A four-kilometer circular trail around the Lower Herrenteich invites you to discover this special ecosystem. 16 stations along the adventure trail offer fun and a nature experience in one, sharpening your awareness of the special features of this natural area. In summer, you can enjoy the cool water at the lido. See: https://tourismus-stormarn.de/de/naturerlebnis/herrenteich-reinfeld-5
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The Herrenteich in Reinfeld is a popular tourist destination. The approximately 55-hectare body of water is divided into the upper and lower Herrenteich. The upper Herrenteich remains a recognized nature reserve. The lower Herrenteich is home to, among other things, a hiking trail and an outdoor pool in the summer. Due to melting snow, the Herrenteich flooded in early March 2010. A temporary dam erected at the time due to construction work threatened to no longer hold the water masses. A breach of the dam would have flooded the entire hinterland. The Hamburg/Lübeck railway embankment would also have been affected. See: https://www.thw-badoldesloe.de/aktuelles/aktuelle-meldungen/artikel/vor-10-jahren-hochwassereinsatz-am-herrenteich-fachgruppen-wasserschadenpumpen-verhindern-stauwe
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The 3.7 km long trail leads along the partially wooded shore of the Herrenteich lake. The east and west banks are connected by a bridge at the "Fischhuser Damm"—north of this bridge begins the "Oberer Herrenteich" nature reserve. See: https://reinfeld-aktiv.de/tag/reinfeld/page/6/
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Great place, very nice for a walk.
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Nice walk around the pond! With lots of cozy spots.
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This is the bridge at Fischhuser Damm. The name suggests that a dam must once have connected the banks of the Herrenteich pond here. In 1960, pioneers from the Eutin riot police erected the first wooden bridge, which was recently replaced by a new steel structure. The "Oberer Herrenteich" nature reserve lies to the north of the bridge.
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The Brenner Moor is the largest salt marsh in inland Schleswig-Holstein. The salinity of the salt springs partially reaches that of the North Sea. A jewel of nature but very busy on weekends. Still a real highlight. The crossing is only possible thanks to the laid planks. However, cycling is prohibited
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The Brenner Moor is the largest inland salt marsh in Schleswig-Holstein. It is located in the district of Stormarn in the town of Bad Oldesloe in the Trave lowlands and has been declared a nature reserve. What is special about the Brenner Moor are the brine springs that rise from a depth of approx. 500 meters and have their origin in a salt band that presumably stretches from Segeberg via Tralau and Bad Oldesloe to Lübeck. The plant communities and the animal world of the Brenner Moor are shaped in a special way by the unique occurrence of salt springs inland. The salty environment attracts plants that are otherwise only found near the coast, e.g. B. rush (Juncus gerardii) and beach trident (Triglochin maritima). In some places the water has a salinity that corresponds to that of the North Sea. In less saline parts of the nature reserve, reed beds, among other things, grow. https://metropolregion.hamburg.de/kulturlandschaften/4471072/brenner-moor/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent natural monuments to visit around Westerau?
The most prominent natural monument is the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve, known for its unique moor landscape and extensive boardwalks. Another popular spot is Herrenteich Reinfeld, a scenic lake with a pleasant walking trail. You can also explore the Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal, offering beautiful views and historical significance.
What makes the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve unique?
The Brenner Moor Nature Reserve is unique as the largest salt marsh in inland Schleswig-Holstein. This rare ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna adapted to saline conditions. Visitors can experience its natural beauty and specialized habitat via boardwalks through reeds and waterholes.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Westerau?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Brenner Moor Nature Reserve features boardwalks that are easy to navigate. Herrenteich Reinfeld offers a relaxing environment with a walking trail around the lake, and the Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal is also family-friendly with scenic views.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the natural monuments?
The unique ecosystems, especially at the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve, support a rich bird life and diverse plant communities. The area is known for its abundant reeds, water, and various birds. The Salt Pond in the Bad Oldesloe Spa Park also features interesting plant communities that provide quarters for a rich bird life.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, especially on the boardwalks through the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve and around Herrenteich Reinfeld. Cycling is also a great option, with many routes available, including those along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Cycling around Westerau or Road Cycling Routes around Westerau guides.
Are there hiking trails near the natural monuments?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Brenner Moor Nature Reserve offers highly recommended hiking trails on boardwalks. You can also find a pleasant walking trail around Herrenteich Reinfeld, providing a relaxing experience through forest, meadow, and water elements. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Westerau guide.
What historical context is associated with the natural monuments in the area?
The Salt Pond in the Bad Oldesloe Spa Park has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was the center of a popular brine, moor, and sulfur bath. The park itself was designed by a renowned art gardener. The Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal also holds historical significance, particularly regarding the canal's development and use.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Westerau?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil natural settings and the opportunity to observe unique ecosystems. The boardwalks at Brenner Moor Nature Reserve are particularly popular for offering close observations of reeds, water features, and birdlife. The scenic views and relaxing atmosphere around Herrenteich Reinfeld are also highly appreciated.
Is it possible to cycle near the natural monuments?
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. The Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal is part of a cycle-friendly area, and there are numerous routes available. You can find detailed cycling tours in the Cycling around Westerau guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.
Are there any viewpoints to get a good overview of the natural landscapes?
Yes, several natural monuments offer excellent viewpoints. The Brenner Moor Nature Reserve provides elevated perspectives from its boardwalks. The Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal offers beautiful views from the towpath bridge over the canal and river. Additionally, the trail around Herrenteich Reinfeld provides great views of the lake.
What kind of natural features characterize the Westerau region?
The Westerau region is characterized by diverse natural features, including unique moorlands, tranquil lakes, and significant river confluences. It boasts protected natural areas like the Brenner Moor Nature Reserve, which is a rare inland salt marsh, and scenic waterways such as the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal.
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