The heavily fortified inner-German border once ran near Büchen. Today, this area is home to the ‘Green Belt’, a cross-border nature reserve. The former military road near Langenlehsten is still visible. After the border fortifications were dismantled, nutrient-poor grassland and heathland developed on the sandy soil. Endangered species such as the stonechat, skylark and ortolan bunting live here. The contrast between the old high forest and the forest that has grown on the borderland since 1990 is clearly visible.
Hiking trails: Gartenschlägereck between Bröthen and Langenlehsten and the greater Langenlehsten area
Part of the ‘Grenztour’ circular cycle route
East of Büchen, on the former inner-German border near Langenlehsten, lies a particularly historic section of the ‘Green Belt’, which stretches along the former ‘Iron Curtain’ as a nature reserve beyond Germany from Finland to Greece. A paradise for bird lovers.
The heavily fortified inner-German border once ran near Büchen. Today, this area is home to the ‘Green Belt’, a cross-border nature reserve. The former military road near Langenlehsten is still visible. After the border fortifications were dismantled, nutrient-poor grassland and heathland developed on the sandy soil. Endangered species such as the stonechat, skylark and ortolan bunting live here. The contrast between the old high forest and the forest that has grown on the borderland since 1990 is clearly visible.
Hiking trails: Gartenschlägereck between Bröthen and Langenlehsten and the greater Langenlehsten area
Part of the ‘Grenztour’ circular cycle route
East of Büchen, on the former inner-German border near Langenlehsten, lies a particularly historic section of the ‘Green Belt’, which stretches along the former ‘Iron Curtain’ as a nature reserve beyond Germany from Finland to Greece. A paradise for bird lovers.
Nature's triumph
The GDR border troops had kept the border area free of vegetation, both mechanically and chemically, in order to preserve evidence. Only after all installations, such as the ‘vehicle barrier trench’ (in front of the former minefield), had been completely dismantled did nature begin its triumphant advance. Mosses, lichens and grasses, followed by heather, were the first to appear, before trees quickly followed. The different ages of the trees in the forest make it possible to trace the former course of the border with great precision.
A sad highlight of the division of Germany was the murder of Michael Gartenschläger by GDR border troops near Langenlehsten in 1976, when he attempted to dismantle an automatic firing device. A memorial in the forest commemorates this event.
A beautiful bike ride
The ‘Grenztour’ cycle route is ideal for experiencing the border area with its rich bird life. From Büchen, where a visit to the “Priesterkate” in Büchen village is worthwhile, you can reach the area and Langenlehsten to the east via Bröthen on a section of the signposted ‘Alleen- und Herrenhäuserr’ cycle tour.
If travelling by car, the Gudow/A24 service station in the north is a good starting point for a hike. South of Langenlehsten, on the K 28 (Bröthen – Fortkrug), there is a sign pointing to the Michael Gartenschläger memorial. From there, it is only 50 metres to the border trail.
Cycling tours along the route
Border tour (approx. 39 km): Büchen – Fitzen – Besenthal – Langenlehsten – Schwanheide – Büchen
Avenue and manor house tour, west route (approx. 42 km): Güster – Wotersen – Müssen – Siebeneichen – Besenthal – Güster
Hiking trails: Gartenschlägereck between Bröthen and Langenlehsten and the greater Langenlehsten area
Part of the ‘Grenztour’ circular cycle route
East of Büchen, on the former inner-German border near Langenlehsten, lies a particularly historic section of the ‘Green Belt’, which stretches along the former ‘Iron Curtain’ as a nature reserve beyond Germany from Finland to Greece. A paradise for bird lovers.
The heavily fortified inner-German border once ran near Büchen. Today, this area is home to the ‘Green Belt’, a cross-border nature reserve. The former military road near Langenlehsten is still visible. After the border fortifications were dismantled, nutrient-poor grassland and heathland developed on the sandy soil. Endangered species such as the stonechat, skylark and ortolan bunting live here. The contrast between the old high forest and the forest that has grown on the borderland since 1990 is clearly visible.
Hiking trails: Gartenschlägereck between Bröthen and Langenlehsten and the greater Langenlehsten area
Part of the ‘Grenztour’ circular cycle route
East of Büchen, on the former inner-German border near Langenlehsten, lies a particularly historic section of the ‘Green Belt’, which stretches along the former ‘Iron Curtain’ as a nature reserve beyond Germany from Finland to Greece. A paradise for bird lovers.
Nature's triumph
The GDR border troops had kept the border area free of vegetation, both mechanically and chemically, in order to preserve evidence. Only after all installations, such as the ‘vehicle barrier trench’ (in front of the former minefield), had been completely dismantled did nature begin its triumphant advance. Mosses, lichens and grasses, followed by heather, were the first to appear, before trees quickly followed. The different ages of the trees in the forest make it possible to trace the former course of the border with great precision.
A sad highlight of the division of Germany was the murder of Michael Gartenschläger by GDR border troops near Langenlehsten in 1976, when he attempted to dismantle an automatic firing device. A memorial in the forest commemorates this event.
A beautiful bike ride
The ‘Grenztour’ cycle route is ideal for experiencing the border area with its rich bird life. From Büchen, where a visit to the “Priesterkate” in Büchen village is worthwhile, you can reach the area and Langenlehsten to the east via Bröthen on a section of the signposted ‘Alleen- und Herrenhäuserr’ cycle tour.
If travelling by car, the Gudow/A24 service station in the north is a good starting point for a hike. South of Langenlehsten, on the K 28 (Bröthen – Fortkrug), there is a sign pointing to the Michael Gartenschläger memorial. From there, it is only 50 metres to the border trail.
Cycling tours along the route
Border tour (approx. 39 km): Büchen – Fitzen – Besenthal – Langenlehsten – Schwanheide – Büchen
Avenue and manor house tour, west route (approx. 42 km): Güster – Wotersen – Müssen – Siebeneichen – Besenthal – Güster
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