Cute Wilsede

Wilsede is located in the center of the Lüneburg Heath nature reserve and was the destination of our tour today.

From Oberhaverbeck, we did not go directly to Wilsede, but made a detour through the heathland to Wilseder Berg.

On the way, we saw the butterfly "Little Blue", which cleverly manages the upbringing of its offspring: Its caterpillars look like ant larvae and release a corresponding scent, so that they are brought into the ant nest by diligent worker ants and well provided for there. Only after pupation and overwintering does the deception become apparent and the butterfly must quickly leave the nest to avoid being killed by the ants.

With a height of 169 meters, Wilseder Berg is the highest point in the heath. The ascent is therefore quite easy to manage and yet we had a beautiful view of the heath from above.

Then we went downhill towards Wilsede. On the way, we saw one of the eight Heidschnucken herds that are responsible for landscape conservation here.

A herd consists of about 350 mother animals, to which lambs and some bucks are added.

Our path led us through the forest with a small detour before we reached Wilsede with its old houses and peaceful atmosphere. Here, only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are allowed - visitors cannot reach the village by car.

First, we visited the local museum "Dat ole Hus", which provides information about the life of the farming families in the area.

There is also an exhibition in the neighboring sheep stable "Emhoff" on the subject of nature conservation.

In the "Milchhalle", we refreshed ourselves with coffee and cocoa and then continued our hike towards Totengrund.

On the way, we took a break and enjoyed a picnic. A hopping visitor came by:

Totengrund was already purchased by Pastor Bode in 1906 to protect the nature of this heath valley.

We circled it on a path that runs along the valley from above and offers many beautiful views.

We then walked back through heath and forest to our starting point.

In the evening, we tried what we saw through the heath during the day: We had Heidschnucken bratwurst and frikadelle. The Heidschnucke has a very unique taste that reminds more of game meat.