Heidhofer Ponds

The Heidhofer ponds are located on the Garlstedter Geest between Meyenburg and Garlstedt in the municipality of Schwanewede and are part of the Garlstedt military training area. The core area (Zone 1), the Heidhofer Teiche, is surrounded by a large state-owned forest area (Zone 2), which is to develop as a near-natural oak-birch forest according to the protected area regulation. Zone 1 extends along the Garlstedter trench and encompasses the valley floor, which is largely moored. The moorland was caused by swelling groundwater. A thin raised bog layer has also formed on partial areas on the bog and transition bog layer. Overall, the thickness of the peat fluctuates between 30 cm and 100 cm. Today, six ponds can still be seen in the area, which carry nutrient-poor water with a shallow depth. In the shallow water zones, silting vegetation has developed from bulrush, sedge, peat moss, but also reeds. At a short distance from the water, moor and moor heaths with many species that are typical of high moorland also grow. The southeastern valley is occupied by extensive shrubbery bushes and pipe grass meadows with former peat bites.
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Detour across the Panzerstraße Garlstedt cross-country into the forest to the Heidhofer ponds. Panzerstrasse opening times Friday from 1 p.m. to Sunday midnight.

Choose the same tour as the way back, as the round route is difficult to drive on in summer. Do not forget about mosquito and tick agents in warm temperatures.