ハイデブリックの天然記念物・トップ17

Where lignite was once mined, today an impressive natural landscape with dunes, lakes, and wild forests stretches out. Today's Nature Discovery Center is the only building left behind by the excavator in the village of Wanninchen. The interactive exhibition and the extensive outdoor area provide fascinating insights into the flora and fauna of this unique post-mining landscape. From the barrier-free viewing platform, you have a magnificent view over Lake Schlabendorf – an ideal place to linger, marvel, and discover nature. www.sielmann-stiftung.de/wanninchen/

Very nice cycle path at Schlabendorfer See

After decades of coal mining, a unique natural paradise with bizarre dunes, new forests, meadows and extensive lakes was created here. Today's nature experience center is the only building that the excavator left behind in the village of Wanninchen. With its panoramic view over the Schlabendorfer Lake and the nature experience areas, it is now a destination for many enthusiastic nature lovers.

The lake was created by flooding the former Schlabendorf-Süd lignite open-cast mine. It has an area of 4.37 km². Flooding ended in 2012. From 1976 to 1990, 171.2 million tonnes of lignite were mined here.

From the observation tower at Borcheltsbusch you have a wonderful view over meadows and fields. We were able to observe numerous birds. A crane and a great egret were staring through the reeds, grey geese and lapwings were in the meadow. It was accompanied by the singing of nightingales and yellowhammers.

There is currently even a bench here to enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the lake.

The large lake was created from a remaining open-cast mining hole, but this is only revealed by a few conspicuous bank structures. Swimming and sailing are not permitted for safety reasons. Only the ship “Barbara”, which is usually anchored near the Schlabendorf Marina, occasionally sails across the water. Its job is to lime the water, which is quite acidic. This only bothers the animal world to a limited extent. The lake is a popular roosting place for cranes and geese during migration periods. Sand martins breed on islands. Seagulls are almost ubiquitous, as are the sea eagles.

Here you have a fantastic view of the post-mining landscape. In the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center you will gain an insight into the history of the mining region, learn a lot about the value of nature in today's post-mining landscape and about the work of the Heinz Sielmann Foundation on site. You can visit the exhibition in the house and explore interesting stations and themed trails on the grounds. Picnics are also possible. You can usually purchase cold and hot drinks at the nature adventure center. Open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.wanninchen.de