The Elter inland dunes were created at the end of the last ice age when the Ems transported the sand masses with the meltwater of the glaciers. After the ground had thawed, storms shifted the loose sand or blew it up to dunes. This is how the Elter Sand and the Elter dunes were created. Gradually, lichens and mosses conquered the sand, later a deciduous forest with oaks and birches was created. In the 17th and 18th centuries, man caused tree clearing to get the sand moving again and the dunes started to migrate. That's how new dunes were created or the old ones shifted. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the areas were pined with pine trees to stem the sand drift. Although this succeeded, but it was a rather monotonous and pest-prone pine forest.
Today, conservation measures are being used to restore or preserve the open areas of heathland and grasslands and gradually replace the pines with a natural mixed forest.
Fluffy soft forest floor welcomes us and accompanies us on our hike through the dunes. On narrow paths you are on the way. If you want to cycle also finds opportunities with fixed, wider sandy roads or farm roads. Since the area is quite large, there is also enough space for everyone to enjoy nature on the weekend.
Numerous benches invite you to picnic on the way.
A trip to the Elter Sand with its inland dunes is worthwhile.