Hermannsburg: The heath at Angelbecksteich

Small, but beautiful
- and naturally varied, that best describes the heathland at Angelbecksteich
near Oldendorf near Hermannsburg.

Historic background

For many decades the
area has had an eventful history: while
it may have been one of the areas where the heathland reached as far as the
horizon at the end of the 18th century, it was gradually reforested during the
19 century and once belonged to the vast forest areas of the Suedheide.

The forest fire

Large pine forests on
dry, sandy sites are at risk in times of long-term drought and so the forests
fell victim to the flames here in the great
forest fire disaster of 1975 in the southern heathland. The forest here also
burned down completely. In total, 7,000 hectares of forest in the south heath
were destroyed by the flames. A memorial stone on a small hill in today's
heathland commemorates the event.

After the devastating
forest fires, the heathlands returned and were further developed as heath
landscape. In addition, a pond known as Angelbecksteich was created to serve
as a fire extinguishing pond. Today,
this small area of heathland is a popular destination.

Hiking experience for everyone

A barrier-free
circular hiking route with
a length of 1.4 km also offers people with walking or visual disabilities an
amazing heather experience. Small information boards tell hikers about the
landscape and the nature in the heath. Even in the colder months, it is worth
taking a leisurely winter walk around the frozen lake as it reflects the sun's glittering
rays.

Benches, various
picnic areas and "forest sofas" make for a pleasant stay in a special
atmosphere, right next to the idyllic pond with views of the heath.

Hiking and biking trails

The parking lot next
to the heath is also the starting point for one of the popular hiking areas of Suedheide
Nature Park: : "On
the trail of the great forest fire" consists of a short, a medium and a long trail that run through the
heath and the surrounding countryside. There are also biking
tours that lead past the
pond and through the beautiful heathland. The course of the trails and other
information can be found under "This may interest you" further below.
By the way, the Heidschnuckenweg,
or moorland sheep trail, that was voted Germany's most
beautiful hiking trail by readers of the German hiker’s journal “Wandermagazin”
in 2014 also runs through this part of the heath.

Directions:

You can reach the
heath at Angelbecksteich on the L 281 from Oldendorf at Hermannsburg travelling
in the direction of Eschede. Approximately 3 km after you leave Oldendorf, turn
right towards Zur Alten Fuhrmanns-Schänke (Dehningshof) and Hof Severloh. You
will find the car park on the left about 100 meters after the junction. The car
park is signposted on the L 281.

Coordinates: N 52 °
47.31040 ', E 010 ° 07.55486'