Südelm route

Route description

The start and end point of this route is at the town hall in Schöppenstedt. This route is a circular route, so the route can alternatively be started and ended at any other place along the described path.

From the town hall in Schöppenstedt, the route first leads southeast. The route goes via Watzum and Warle towards Watenstedt. Above Watenstedt is the Hahntal nature reserve. In good weather, you have an impressive view from here to the Harz with its highest peak, the Brocken (1141 m).

In spring, the Adonis flowers bloom in the Hahntal nature reserve, as well as on the Heeseberg.

Once arrived in Watenstedt, a visit to the Heeseberg Museum is worthwhile. Afterwards, the southern slope of the Heeseberg with the Hünenburg (stamp point 32) is explored. The excavations there provide insights into the former settlement structure on the Heeseberg. These include storage pits and ovens for storing or preparing food, possibly fire pits created by metalworkers, and locations and construction types of the dwellings.

Buildings about five meters wide and 12 meters long with three naves, rounded narrow sides, and an entrance in the southwest can be reconstructed. You can sense how the terrain was used overall. In short, a fascinating journey into the Bronze Age.

Back in the present, the route continues along the Heeseberg to Jerxheim and Söllingen. In the Söllingen fields, the route runs for a short stretch along the former inner-German border before reaching Hoiersdorf.

After overcoming the longer climb towards Schöningen, the St. Lorenz Church with its famous Bible garden is reached. A short stop here is recommended.

Then follows a detour into Schöningen town center with the castle and its gatehouses, the history fountain, the local history museum, and the old town hall with the water maiden in front of it.

After sightseeing, the route climbs into the Elm. The efforts are rewarded with a wonderful view of the Heeseberg and the Harz. Arriving in the Elm, the Golden Stag (stamp point 31), the Elmsburg, and the barrows are on the route.

At the former forest inn Watzumer Häuschen, the Elm is left again. At the Till Eulenspiegel installations along the path, you will notice that Schöppenstedt is very close. They "tell" stories from the life of the famous jester.

After passing through Eitzum, the route partly follows the old Braunschweig-Schöningen railway line back to the starting point in Schöppenstedt.