Lüneburg Heath

Lüneburg Heath (Lüneburger Heide) is a large area of heath, geest, and woodland in the northeastern part of the state of Lower Saxony in northern Germany. It forms part of the hinterland for the cities of Hamburg, Hanover, and Bremen and is named after the town of Lüneburg. Most of the area is a nature reserve. Northern Low Saxon is still widely spoken in the region.

Geography

The Lüneburg Heath is characterised by its undulating landscape, shaped over thousands of years by the last Ice Age. The region's geology is dominated by sand and gravel, deposited by retreating glaciers. The heath landscape was formed as a result of centuries of grazing and burning, which suppressed tree growth and allowed heather to spread.

Flora and Fauna

The dominant plant species is the common heather. Other plants include the cross-leaved heath, bell heather, and juniper. The area is also home to the European honey buzzard, Eurasian curlew, and the black grouse.

History

The history of the Lüneburg Heath can be traced back to the Neolithic period. The region was a significant location for the salt trade during the Middle Ages, with the town of Lüneburg being a major salt-producing centre.

Tourism

Today, the Lüneburg Heath is a popular tourist destination, offering activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The region is also known for its traditional customs, including the heathland festival and the cutting of the heather.

See also

• Heathland
• Lower Saxony
• Lüneburg