NGlobal Magazin 01-2010

In Wolfsburg one knows how to realise innovative ideas

Niedersachsen Global www.nglobal.de 72 After Work Tartly-scented juniper shrubs, old oak trees, the hum- ming of bees and heath as far as the eye can see: the Lüneburg Heath is a unique natural landscape in Eu- rope. Particularly in late summer. Then the heathlands transform into a sea of heath blossoms gleaming in purple and violet colours. So it is not really astonish- ing that the territory in the south of Hamburg is the second-most popular holiday region in Niedersachsen after the North Sea, attracting more than five million overnight guests every year. The Heath is not only fa- mous for its flora, but also for its fauna. Many types of birds have adapted to living in open spaces and have made the Lüneburg Heath their home. If you are lucky you can also encounter a flock of black-faced German heath in the Lüneburg Heath, being driven over a sandy path by a shepherd. This modest breed of sheep is the symbol of the Heath. A Queen for the Heath The most beautiful heathland scenery is to be found in the north-western part of the Lüneburg Heath. Here, in the 1,130 km² large ‘national park Lüneb- urger Heide’, there is also the 169.2 m high Wilseder Berg, the highest elevation in the Northwest German Plain. With good visibility even the Hamburg skyline is within sight from here. Along with the “Totengrund”, the region is one of the best-known landscapes of the Lüneburg Heath, as here the largest continuous heath expanse in western Europe is located. These areas have been a nature reserve since 1921. On the last weekend in August the Heath Blossom Festival takes place in Schneverdingen in honour of the blossoming heath when the most beautiful Heath maiden will be crowned queen. On Horseback But the Lüneburg Heath has more to offer than just heathlands and beautiful women. In accordance with the motto “There’s nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse” this unique natu- ral landscape can also be explored on horseback. The Lüneburg Heath is virtually the ideal place to spend some leisure days on horseback. A total of 1,450 km of designated riding trails lead through pine and beech forests, along heath areas and moors, and across picturesque rivers. Explore Your Part of the Lüneburger Heide! The Snowdome in Bispingen is one of the most modern indoor ski arenas in Europe. A 300 metre long and up to 100 metre wide slope offers enough space for fast-paced downhill skiing, doing tricks in the fun park or the first attempts on skis. Open daily. www.snow-dome.de  Cycling or hiking tours, Nordic walking, horse riding or touring on waterways: the hilly landscape of the Lüneburg Heath, with abundant water and woods, is a true Garden of Eden for leisure activities! www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de Golf from its most beautiful side: The Lüneburg Heath has no less than 12 golf courses with 252 holes and is the one of the regions in Germany with a relatively large number of courses. www.golfland-niedersachsen.de Snow Dome Outdoor Activities Exclusive Golf Resorts Further information Please visit www.lueneburger-heide.de to find out when and where the Heath blooms as well as infor- mation on all Heath-related events. Photo: Snow Dome Photos: Lüneburger Heide GmbH Photo: Lüneburger Heide GmbH by Daniela Sandmann