Top 20 Natural Monuments around Radbruch

Magnificent view of Lüneburg from above

The Kreidesee in Lüneburg (also called Kreidebergsee) is a former gypsum and limestone quarry that has developed into a popular local recreation area north of the city center. It is known for its depth of up to 30 meters, the impressive white limestone cliffs, and valuable salt flora, but swimming is prohibited for safety reasons. The Kreidesee is very ideal for walks and geology enthusiasts. The lake originated from a former gypsum and limestone quarry. It is located north of Lüneburg's city center, in the Kreideberg district. It is up to 30 meters deep. It impresses with its unique feature, up to 30-meter-high white limestone steep walls, and hosts a rare salt flora, which is due to its proximity to the Lüneburg salt dome. You can enjoy wonderful walks and hikes here. There are paths around the lake that also lead through the allotment garden district and offer panoramic views of Lüneburg. Benches are available. A visit is recommended.

Currently, the cauldron is almost waterless and can be explored on foot.

The view from Kalkberg over Lüneburg is simply beautiful. A must-see.

The Kalkberg, located in the western part of Lüneburg, is located in the central area of the Lüneburg salt dome and forms part of it. Gypsum was once mined in a quarry in the area. Due to the depletion of the deposit and the increasing anhydrite content of the gypsum, mining ceased in 1923. The occurrence of boracite crystals is of particular geological interest. The Kalkberg also boasts a rare flora, which is being preserved by pruning the emerging woody plants. The Kalkberg offers visitors a sweeping view of the Lüneburg city area. Source: https://www.nlwkn.niedersachsen.de/naturschutzgebiete/-42930.html

The Kreidebergsee was created by the extraction of chalk and gypsum, which, alongside salt mining, has been of enormous importance in Lüneburg for centuries. From 1838 onwards, the chalk quarry was expanded to include a high-performance lime kiln as part of its industrial use. Thanks to its abundant raw materials, which were largely used for house construction and in agriculture at the time, the lime kiln was very successful. Around the turn of the century, jobs could be created for 300 to 400 people. Thus, the lime kiln was considered the largest employer of its time. In 1963, chalk and gypsum extraction in the area was discontinued because the operation had no longer been economically viable for several years. In addition, more and more residential areas were being built near the area, which is why the citizens felt disturbed by the lime kiln. Subsequently, the water pumps were shut down and the pit slowly filled up to groundwater level. The resulting lake was then used as a landfill for waste and construction debris until 1983, until it was developed into a local recreation area. Source: https://www.luenepedia.de/wiki/Kreidebergsee

Worthwhile place - the path leading past requires a little attention ...

The Kalkberg nature reserve is the oldest natural monument of its kind. The Kalkberg is actually a gypsum mountain and was once 80 meters higher than it is now. Gypsum was mined here until the end of the 19th century. For almost 100 years now it has been a nature reserve and a biotope that has developed wonderfully. From the top of the mountain you have a beautiful view over the old town of Lüneburg. A detour into the cauldron is also worthwhile - depending on how high the water is in the cauldron.