CC-BY-SA Dominik Ketz, Lüneburger Heide GmbH

Heidschnuckenweg

Walking through the most beautiful heath

One of Germany’s most beautiful multi-day hiking trails runs through the land where the moorland sheep known as Heidschnucken graze. Along the way, Lüneburg Heath stretches out like a string of pearls.

The Heidschnuckenweg route covers 223 kilometres, divided into 13 stages through the picturesque Lüneburg Heath, giving hikers a close-up experience of this stunning natural environment. Especially in late summer, when the heather blooms and veils the landscape in a deep purple, the Lüneburg Heath becomes an unforgettable feast for the senses.  As one of Germany’s finest walking trails, the Heidschnuckenweg route leads you through this breathtaking scenery.

Wide horizons and gentle hills

Through the heath

The Heidschnuckenweg route offers various options between Hamburg and Celle, suitable for every level of hiker. From accessible short rambles to multi-day walks, everything is possible. Take a break from the everyday and discover the beauty of this fascinating cultural landscape.

 

 

The icon of the Lüneburg Heath

In the footsteps of the Heidschnucken (moorland sheep)

The Heidschnucken route is your opportunity to see this native breed in their natural surroundings. This hardy, low-maintenance breed is a symbol of the region and plays a vital role in habitat conservation. The Heidschnucke grazing patterns preventscrub from taking over and encourage the growth of heath plants, helping to maintain the open scenery that is so characteristic of Lüneburg Heath.

Thanks to the Heidschnucken, the heath remains a biodiverse and unique natural habitat, waiting to be explored along its many walking trails.

Planning tip 

Hop on, hop off 

© Tanja Klindworth

During the summer months, the Heath Shuttle serves over 100 stops. These free bus routes connect the most beautiful parts of Lüneburg Heath, giving you the freedom to tailor your walk as you wish.

 

Walk this way!

The route

A purple paradise

Late summer highlight

The Heidschnuckenweg route is a highlight at any time of year. But it’s at its most colourful in late summer, when the common heather blooms and the flat landscape is transformed into a sea of violet and purple. This is all the more impressive as it envelopes the largest continuous areas of heathland in Central Europe. For around four weeks each year – the rule of thumb is from 8 August to 9 September – you can witness the stunning spectacle of the heather in bloom.

 

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Golden hues galore

Indian summer

When autumn unfolds its warm colour palette, the Heidschnuckenweg route is ablaze with golden leaves, while the autumn mist casts a near-mystical mood over the heath. Just silence, space and colour – September, October and November are the perfect months to experience Lüneburg Heath’s very own Indian summer.

 

 

Circular trails along the Heidschnuckenweg

Heideschleifen (Heath Loops)

Twelve circular routes of varying length – some of them accessible – branch off from the main trail. These ‘Heath Loops’ invite walkers to discover the diversity and distinctive features of Lüneburg Heath’s nature and landscapes. Looking for something more spiritual? The Jacobus Trail through Lüneburg Heath offers a unique sense of pilgrimage all year round.

 

Lüneburger Heide GmbH
Wallstr. 4
21335 Lüneburg
Telefon: +49 4131 3093960

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