The Steinhuder Meer nature park connects the natural landscapes around Lower Saxony's largest lake
The Steinhuder Meer nature park combines the natural landscapes around Lower Saxony's largest lake with sustainable tourism. It stretches from the Rehburg Mountains to the Leine and from the Grinderwald to the Mittelland Canal.
Extensive moorland, floating meadows, inland dunes, mountains and Lower Saxony's largest inland lake: the Steinhuder Meer nature park is a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. But how did it come about? We like this fabulous theory best:
Many years ago giants and dwarves lived together in a flat country. One day a couple of cheeky dwarfs pissed off a giant. The giant tried to drive away the troublemakers and stamped hard on the sandy ground. A large footprint was created in the process. Unfortunately he had also caught one of the dwarfs. The grieving dwarfs filled the imprint with their tears - the Steinhuder Meer was ready. But we cannot answer why the lake is not salty either.
Giants are also said to have been active in the Rehburg mountains: Goliath, the strongest and most powerful, was about to throw a stone when a little boy named David asked him if they wanted to throw a competition. Goliath's stone only flew as far as the Nethelnberg, while David's made it to the "White Dune". The stones can still be found there today. The Davidstein on Strandweg in Mardorf near the “White Dune” is even considered to be the second largest in Lower Saxony with more than 60 tons and a height of around 2.5 meters.
Those who want to discover the fairytale flora and fauna around the Steinhuder Meer can observe sea eagles, tree frogs and peat moss on viewing platforms and adventure trails. Swimming, climbing, cycling or boating and much more is also possible on the signposted routes. The nature park rangers are on-site contacts.
The Rehburg Mountains with the Wilhelmsturm and the Märchenweg or the Grinderwald near Linsburg are ideal for hiking. Or how about a treasure hunt on the moor adventure trail near Mardorf? Or a bike tour around the Steinhuder Meer? Don't forget your swimwear! A crossing to Wilhelmstein Island is also an experience.
It becomes scientific in the exhibitions in the nature park. The nature park house on the Uferweg in Mardorf shows the fascinating world of the moors. Here, visitors can hear and try out how the peat farmers lived back then and what they themselves can do to protect the moor and the climate. What do foxes, badgers and the like do when we sleep? The night forest comes to life in the information center in Steinhude. There are also interesting tips for excursions and further information material at both contact points.