Natural monuments around Wennigsen (Deister) are situated within the Deister mountain range, a significant local recreation area southwest of Hanover. This region features a natural landscape of forests, hills, and diverse rock formations, shaped by millions of years of geological history. The area offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions, including protected ecological sites and unique installations. It provides opportunities for outdoor activities suitable for various interests.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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The old baptism is the subject of a local legend, which takes place at the time of Christianization. The stone's name may derive from the embellished idea that it was used as a baptismal font after the advent of Christianity. Forced baptisms are conceivable, but just as little documented as pagan human sacrifices in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the idea of human sacrifice in the ancient baptism is considered as one of several explanations of the idiom "walking over the Deister." The idiom means "disappear" and possibly "die" - similar to "cross the Jordan" and "cross the Wupper". Other explanations of phraseologism do not draw on the sagas associated with the ancient baptism. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Taufe
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Quarry on the Ebersberg, where material for the lime works that were shut down in 1957 near the Springer train station was extracted. The limestone was deposited in a shallow, warm sea about 163 to 157 million years ago. The older rocks are the Heersumer strata (163 million years ago) and above (younger) is coral oolite (157 million). The quarry wall then shows a few million years of geological history from top to bottom. Formed in the sea, the layers of rock contain fossils of sea animals. The geological period in which this happened is called the Jurassic (201 to 145 million years ago, "Jurassic Park").
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The old baptism (formerly also wolf baptism or heathen baptism) is a cliff in the Deister in Lower Saxony. The cuboid made of Wealden sandstone with an edge length of around 3 meters and a deep trough on the top is located about 50 m away from the Deisterkamm, west of the Nordmannsturm in the municipality of Lauenau. The Old Baptism was regarded as an old Germanic sacrificial site for which there is no archaeological evidence. An excavation in the area of the stone has not yet been carried out. Detlef Schünemann tries to make a prehistoric processing and ritual use of the stones credible in comparison with other striking, large stones, which also have hollows (so-called sacrificial stones). The old baptism is the subject of a local legend, which takes place at the time of Christianization. The stone's name may derive from the embellished idea that it was used as a baptismal font after the advent of Christianity. Forced baptisms are conceivable, but just as little documented as pagan human sacrifices in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the idea of human sacrifice in the ancient baptism is considered as one of several explanations of the idiom "walking over the Deister." The idiom means "disappear" and possibly "die" - similar to "cross the Jordan" and "cross the Wupper". Other explanations of phraseologism do not draw on the sagas associated with the ancient baptism. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Taufe
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For decades, hikers who know the area have been amused by a sign on the cross beech tree that indicated the direction to the Hohenborstel district of Barsinghausen. In the course of renewing the signage in the Deister, the makers of the new wooden sign obviously felt a commitment to tradition. Source: https://deister-echo.de/neue-hinweisschilder-mit-schreibfehler-bleibt-die-tradition-gewahrt/
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very slippery and muddy at this time of year (January). For me as a beginner, the section of the trail is very exciting. But I made it there and back safely.
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Big intersection from here you can get everywhere. Shelter with trash can 🗑 available.
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The Deister mountain range itself offers a rich natural landscape of dense beech and spruce forests, hills, and diverse rock formations, shaped by millions of years of geological history. You can also discover specific natural monuments like ancient oak trees, such as the Eiche in Argestorf, and important ecological sites like the Feuchtbiotop in Bredenbeck Feldmark.
Yes, the Wennigsen Waterwheels are a unique blend of natural and cultural attraction, particularly appealing for families. Every summer, miniature water wheels depicting fairy tales are set up in a stream, offering a charming experience. Another great spot for families is the Blanke Pond, perfect for relaxing or a picnic in the shade of old trees.
The region features sites where nature and history intertwine. For instance, the Old Baptismal Font is an impressive 3 x 3 meter cube-shaped sandstone block with local legends about its past use. Additionally, the Kreuzbuche Memorial and Shelter marks a historic intersection where ancient beech trees once stood, commemorating local history.
The Deister region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and walking trails, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For cyclists, there are numerous routes for gravel biking and mountain biking. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities, such as Gravel biking around Wennigsen (Deister), Running Trails around Wennigsen (Deister), and MTB Trails around Wennigsen (Deister).
Yes, the Deister offers several excellent viewpoints. While not natural monuments themselves, the Nordmannsturm and Annaturm observation towers are integral to experiencing the natural grandeur. They provide fantastic panoramic views of the Calenberger Land to the north and the Weserbergland to the south on clear days.
The Deister mountain range is a worthwhile destination year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for hiking. The Wennigsen Waterwheels are typically installed from mid-April through October 3rd, making summer and early autumn ideal for visiting this specific attraction. Winter hikes can also be beautiful, especially with snow-covered landscapes.
Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of natural beauty and charming attractions. For example, the Wennigsen Waterwheels are loved for their "lovingly designed" nature and being a "beautiful excursion destination for the whole family." The Blanke Pond is described as an "idyllic place" for relaxation. The Quarry at Ebersberg is noted for its "fascinating" appearance, offering a glimpse into geological processes.
Yes, the Deister region includes trails with varying difficulty levels. For instance, some running routes like the "Bielstein Hut (Deister) – Tatern Post and Rest Area loop from Steinkrug" are rated as difficult. Similarly, certain MTB trails, such as the "Gloomy North Viewpoint – Ridge Trail in Köllnischfeld loop from Wennigsen (Deister)", offer a challenging experience. You can explore these and other routes on the Running Trails and MTB Trails guide pages.
Beyond the more popular spots, the region is home to several individual natural monuments protected for their distinctiveness. These include the Eiche am Rehrenborn, a unique oak tree with a broadly spread, twisted crown near a spring, and the impressive Rosskastaniengruppe an der Holtenser Kirche, a group of large, old chestnut trees creating a special visual impact around the churchyard.
Many popular hiking destinations, including those near observation towers like the Nordmannsturm and Annaturm, often have forest restaurants nearby for refreshments. The Kreuzbuche Memorial and Shelter also provides a spacious shelter and a bench, making it a good place to take a break. The Blanke Pond is also a relaxing spot for a picnic.
The Deister's geological history, spanning millions of years, has resulted in various rock types, including limestone, marl, and sandstone, formed during the Lower Cretaceous period. The surface was further shaped by glacial periods. The Quarry at Ebersberg is a prime example where you can observe these formations directly at the demolition edge, offering a fascinating insight into the region's geological past.


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