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Germany

Baden-Württemberg

Waldheide Nature Reserve (Southern Section)

Discover
Places to see

Germany

Baden-Württemberg

Waldheide Nature Reserve (Southern Section)

Waldheide Nature Reserve (Southern Section)

Recommended by 105 hikers out of 107

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    Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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    Best Hikes to Waldheide Nature Reserve (Southern Section)

    4.7

    (62)

    324

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    1. Waldheide Nature Reserve – View of Heilbronn and Wartberg loop from Weinsberg

    14.8km

    04:04

    240m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    4.8

    (25)

    123

    hikers

    2. Heilbronn Vineyard Cottage – Heilbronn Keuper Trail loop from Rampachertal

    13.7km

    03:42

    180m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    4.8

    (11)

    46

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    3. View of Heilbronn and Wartberg – View of Heilbronn loop from Obergruppenbach

    5.36km

    01:25

    50m

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Easy

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    October 12, 2023

    Waldheide Natural Monument - the protected part is located in the northeast.

    The Waldheide is a 52-hectare clearing in the municipal forest in the east of Heilbronn, surrounded by oak-rich deciduous forests.

    The Waldheide has a long and eventful history. Initially, only agriculture, in the form of pasture and arable land, played a role. In the 19th century, it was partially reforested. In 1883, following the Franco-Prussian War, a parade ground was established here. From 1918, the Waldheide became a local recreation area for the people of Heilbronn. This is when the name "Waldheide" was coined. During the Third Reich, the Waldheide was again used for military purposes and served as a training ground.

    After the Second World War, the US Army took over the site. Eventually, nuclear missiles were stationed there, most recently Pershing II missiles. In 1985, a rocket accident killed three US soldiers. In 1990, the US Army abandoned the site and withdrew.

    The area subsequently reverted to the ownership of the city of Heilbronn, and the forest heath was renaturalized. The primary focus was on removing the numerous existing buildings, roads, paths, parking lots, and other structures. The only remaining building now serves as a sheep barn. At the same time, the area is once again available for local recreation.

    Typical locations for "heath vegetation" are nutrient-poor, lime-free soils. Therefore, only plant species that do not tolerate lime in the soil and can survive with few nutrients occur here. Another important factor is the type of use; in the case of the forest heath, this is traditional (sheep) grazing.

    Excerpts from heilbronn.de/umwelt-mobilitaet/naturschutz-artenschutz/naturdenkmale/naturdenkmal-waldheide.html

    See also de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldheide

    Translated by Google •

      February 13, 2022

      ... "Waldheide" natural monument near Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg.

      - was formerly a military training area/base for the US Army.

      - Pershing II missiles, among others, were stationed here under great secrecy.

      - On January 11, 1985, the engine of a Pershing II nuclear missile exploded on the Waldheide. Three soldiers died instantly, and 16 others were injured, some seriously (stimme.de/regional/region/vor-35-jahren-schreckt-das-heilbronner-pershing-unglueck-die-welt-auf-art-4305257)

      - Today, a memorial commemorates this disaster

      - Easily accessible via the "Waldheide" parking lot on the K 9550 or "Donnbronner Straße"

      - On Sundays and public holidays, the "Donnbronner Straße"/K9550 is closed to motorists from the direction of "Donnbronn"! (01/2022)

      - From Heilbronn, you can reach the "Waldheide" parking lot by car.

      - Further information:

      heilbronn.de/umwelt-mobilitaet/naturschutz-artenschutz/naturdenkmale/naturdenkmal-waldheide.html

      - stadtarchiv.heilbronn.de/stadtgeschichte/unterrichtsmaterial/20-jahrhundert/waldheide-pershing/historischer-ueberblick.html?tx_contrast=0&cHash=4b0ee6db6b1b4d4109d7c9f489692957

      Translated by Google •

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        Elevation 360 m

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        Monday 15 September

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