Heideschleife Misselhorner Heide

The narrow Misselhorner Heide and the adjoining deep valley lie like a snail's shell in the dark coniferous forest. It is not for nothing that this heathland is one of the most popular heathland areas in the Südheide. The blooming heathland in particular brings out the contrast to the dark surrounding forest.

At the start of the heathland loop, pine trees and grassy areas dominate the landscape. A small hill with juniper bushes, scattered heather shrubs and black pines rises up. The sandy path through the low grass is well trodden. Up to the birch avenue on the old connecting path from Weesen to Forsthaus Queloh, which runs straight through the Misselhorn Heath.

Then the landscape changes. Becomes wider, more open. Heather bushes dominate, transforming the valley into a purple carpet in August. Juniper bushes and individual pines rise up from the heath. The light-colored, sandy path winds through the bushes like a ribbon. It touches the former, still deep sand pit. Gains height imperceptibly. Looking back, a surprising view to the northwest over the treetops of the neighboring forests. Wind turbines rotate in the distance. Behind them, seemingly endless forests. Pure nature. It is not for nothing that the Heideschleife is nicknamed the "Panorama Trail". Easy descent. A narrow strip of forest separates two heathland areas. Most visitors turn back here. But the enchanted heath to the left has its charm. Another forest bar. Then an elongated strip begins, which the heather sheep are slowly transforming into a complete heath area with tireless hard work. The view opens up at the corner of the forest.

The Tiefental. It goes downhill. In a few bends, the path approaches the lowest point. Pines grow sporadically in the Tiefental valley, more like a sparse forest. The heath surrounds the northern part. Yes, the wooded Tiefental valley juts out into the heath like a spur. A feeling of security. That was probably what attracted the pastor Ludwig Harms. The founder of the Hermannsburg missionary work sometimes preached sermons against this unique backdrop. The mission festival was also celebrated here in the early years. With a bit of luck, a herd of heather sheep will pass by.

Back up onto the heath. Close to the Eicksberg rest area is a memorial stone commemorating the heath pastor. The path leads along a varied area of juniper bushes into the pine forest and straight down to the Misselhorner Heide at the end of the birch avenue, where the outer loop closes. The inner loop to the hikers' parking lot closes with an entertaining arc around a juniper and heather hill.

Length: 8.1 km

Duration: 2 hours

Starting point: Misselhorner Heide hikers' car park

Parking: Misselhorner Heide hikers' parking lot, directly on the K17 between Hermannsburg and Unterlüß, 29320 Hermannsburg

Transport connections:
CeBus line 260 and the Südheide citizens' bus from Hermannsburg and Unterlüß. The bus stop is at Gasthof Misselhorner Hof and from there you walk along the K 17 towards Unterlüß (1.1 km).

Tourist Information:

Tourist Information Gemeinde Südheide, Am Markt 3, 29320 Hermannsburg, Tel. 05052 6574