Lüneburg Heath Nature Reserve

One of Germany's oldest nature reserves – sweeping heathland in Lower Saxony renowned for its spectacular August heather bloom.

The Lüneburg Heath Nature Reserve in Lower Saxony is one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Germany, first protected by the Prussian government in 1921. It stretches across the districts of Harburg and Soltau-Fallingbostel. The heath is celebrated above all for its August bloom, when vast swathes of heather turn a vivid purple. Beyond hiking and cycling through the open landscape, the reserve is home to rare flora and fauna.