Dream loop Lüneburger Heide

In the middle of the largest nature reserve of the Lüneburg Heath, this is probably the most beautiful day circular route through the unique Radenbach Valley, along the Heidschnuckenweg with fantastic views, to the original village of Wilsede, to Totengrund and down the ridge trail into Steingrund as well as to the landmark of the Lüneburg Heath: the Wilseder Berg.

Everything begins at the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum

You start at the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum in Undeloh and cross the Heidschnuckenweg, the 1st quality hiking trail in northern Germany, through the largest contiguous heath landscapes in Europe. If you have time and interest after the hike, don't miss a visit to the free Heide-ErlebnisZentrum in Undeloh. Here, the Lüneburg Heath is clearly explained, from the Ice Age to the present.

Directly behind the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum you can visit the well-known Heidschnucken sheep. At the end of April/beginning of May, there are always some newly born lambs there as well.

The Radenbach Valley

Along the Radenbach Valley you walk through a gently hilly heath landscape with old juniper stands on partly sandy trails. At the junction of the Heidschnuckenweg with the Pastor-Bode-Weg, you pass through the enclosure of the Wilseder Reds, a crossbreed of Scottish Highland and Shorthorn cattle. They resemble as a "model breed" the original small, red heath cattle that lived there until the 19th century. If you are lucky, the herd will be right next to or crossing the trail.

Wide views

Shortly before the historic museum village of Wilsede, enjoy the probably most beautiful view of the wide, untouched heathlands of the Undeloh Heath. This section is named after the heath pastor Wilhelm Bode, who founded the first nature park in Germany and thus made a significant contribution to the preservation of this unique cultural landscape.

On this section, you will see some older sheepfolds and beehives no longer in use. On the horizon you will occasionally see herds of Heidschnucken sheep with their shepherds.

The historic heath village Wilsede

In the authentic heath village Wilsede, time seems to stand still. The village invites you to take a break before you continue to the Totengrund, the otherworldly natural beauty.

On this day tour, there are only dining options in Wilsede and later in the afternoon in Heidetal. Please plan accordingly for your hike.

Totengrund - The otherworldly valley

To reach Totengrund, take the signposted Freudenthal hiking trail to the left behind the Milchhalle. From there it is about 1 km to the Tal of Totengrund.

The viewing platform above Totengrund offers an incomparable view into the mystical valley. During the heath bloom in August and September, the hollow is visually flooded by purple Calluna. The large erratic boulder on the platform is dedicated to Prof. Andreas Thomsen, who in 1906 secured Totengrund for the Nature Park Association through pre-purchase and thus preserved it for future generations.

Feeling of happiness

Now begins a fascinating section on the ridge trail around Totengrund. Follow the Hermann-Löns-Weg clockwise here. The path is somewhat more demanding with many tree roots and sandy sections. The twittering of birds, sprinting deer and hares, and the warm scent of pine needles are inspiring and simply make you happy.

If you want to shorten the route, you can also continue directly from Totengrund along the Freudenthal hiking trail. However, the ridge trail section is absolutely recommended.

The Steingrund

After successfully circling the valley, the Hermann-Löns-Weg meets the Freudenthal hiking trail. Follow this now to your second dining option in Heidetal. The route takes you through Steingrund, a heath area characterized by many old juniper trees and Ice Age erratic boulders. Rest occasionally on one of the numerous benches and watch the buzzards circling over Steingrund in search of prey.

Wilseder Berg - Landmark of the Heath

Further along, the Freudenthal hiking trail takes you through mixed forest into Heidetal, where there is a second dining option. Here, the Freudenthal hiking trail meets the Heidschnuckenweg. Take the latter towards Wilseder Berg, the landmark of the Lüneburg Heath and at 169 meters, the highest hill in northern Germany. On clear days, the view extends to the silhouette of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg.

Done! - Just a short return

Shortly before the summit of Wilseder Berg, the Freudenthal hiking trail leads left down into the valley towards Undeloh. Follow this until the path enters the forest. There, take the small sandy trail that runs directly along the edge of the forest and the heathland. At the first clearing, you meet the European long-distance path, which you follow back to Undeloh.

In Undeloh, many restaurants invite you to end the evening comfortably.

Facts

Length: approx. 23.5 km

Duration: demanding day tour, hiking time without breaks approx. 5-6 hours

Trail condition: natural paths, partly sandy with tree roots, around Totengrund somewhat more demanding with slight inclines

Start and end point: Heide-ErlebnisZentrum in Undeloh, Wilseder Straße 24, 21274 Undeloh

Parking: Carriage parking opposite the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum

Note: paid parking (no prescribed maximum parking time, chargeable parking times: daily 8 am to 6 pm 4 hours €1.50, 1 day €3). The collected parking fees benefit the maintenance of the heath in the Lüneburg Heath nature reserve.

Geographical coordinates: 53°11'33'' N, 9°58'38'' E

Arrival tip: Coming from Hamburg via the A7, take the Garlstorf exit and drive via Nindorf (Wildpark Lüneburger Heide) to Undeloh. In Undeloh, simply follow the brown signs "Heide-ErlebnisZentrum."

Coming from Hannover via the A7, take the Egestorf exit and follow the yellow signs to Undeloh.

Special feature: the entire route runs in the car-free nature reserve Lueneburger Heide

Circular route signage

Undeloh-Wilsede: Heidschnuckenweg (white "H" on black background)

Wilsede-Totengrund: Freudenthal hiking trail (white "F")

Ridge trail Totengrund: Hermann-Löns-Weg (signage on the erratic boulders)

Totengrund-Steingrund-Heidetal: Freudenthal hiking trail (white "F")

Heidetal-Wilseder Berg: Heidschnuckenweg (white "H" on black background)

Wilseder Berg towards Undeloh:

Freudenthal hiking trail (white "F") up to the forest junction, then take the small trail along the forest edge parallel to the Freudenthal hiking trail until you meet the European long-distance path (E1), white "X"

Gastronomy tips:

Undeloh: tea room in Undeloh, fine dining in a stylish atmosphere and café in the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum

Wilsede: Milchhalle (self-service) and Restaurant zum Heidemuseum, traditional Heidjer cuisine

Note: Take enough water with you for the hike. The only gastronomic offerings on the circular route can be found in Wilsede (and Undeloh).