A natural paradise in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Everything is in flux along Germany’s third-largest river: paddle, cycle or walk where storks and beavers make their homes.
The Elbe River Landscape UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a natural paradise of astonishing diversity. From the Czech border to the North Sea, the Elbe river shapes the landscape of Niedersachsen with its broad floodplains, gentle meanders and idyllic riverside forests. Untouched nature meets picturesque villages, while rare animal and plant species find a place to thrive.
They’re back!
With incisors just as impressive as ever! The comeback of the Elbe river beaver is a true success story for the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Niedersächsische Elbtalaue – a protected area between Schnackenburg and Lauenburg that is part of the 400-kilometre-long Elbe River Landscape UNESCO biosphere reserve. These reserves preserve endangered ecosystems and promote sustainable economic activity, which is good for us and for our environment.
Springtime explosion of colour
Blue water, multicoloured meadows and green forests: the Elbe floodplain is a kaleidoscope of colours in early summer. If you like things colourful, this is the place for you. Violet blooms of ragged-robin and brown knapweed out to the horizon, interspersed with bright yellow lady’s bedstraw and delicate pink sea thrift. Bees and butterflies flit from blossom to blossom in the riverside meadows while wild boar snuffle through the forests. Red deer, foxes, badgers and wolves also call the Elbe river home.
Storks and Bentheim sheep
Storks have always clattered from the roofs along the Elbe river. But have you ever seen an Elbe beaver in the flesh? If not, it’s time to visit the Biosphaerium Elbtalaue at Bleckede castle. There you can learn about local ecosystems and the animals that live in them, and you can watch beavers and fish up close. The biosphere reserve doesn’t just protect wild animals, it also works to preserve endangered breeds of livestock. The Archezentrum Amt Neuhaus and the region’s Archehöfe (ark farms that preserve rare and traditional livestock breeds) are home to spotted Bentheim pigs, Saxon chickens and other heritage breeds.
A leisurely boat trip or an active canoe trip?
Either way, enjoying the wetlands from the water is a special experience. If you’re happier walking or pedalling, you can take one of the signposted cycling or walking trails. A popular route is the Elberadweg, a bike path along the river all the way to its source at Cuxhaven. Or would you like to get to know the flora and fauna? Then take a guided tour with a national park ranger, perhaps up Höhbeck Hill near Gartow.
Discover it here