Walsrode: Grundloses Moor with Grundloser See Nature Reserve
Walsrode
Grundloser See (Bottomless Lake), surrounded by Grundloses
Moor, is a nature reserve in the south of Lüneburg Heath. The moor, covering 295
hectares, lies to the north of Fulde (at Walsrode) and is one of the most beautiful
areas in which to explore northern Germany’s moor landscape.
The moor is surrounded by sandy loamy
moraine hills. In the past, peat was cut over a widespread area in the subdivided
moor. Where water sits in the peat, plants typical of high moorlands grow.
Moors absorb three times as much CO2
as forests do, which is why preserving them is very important. In addition to the
few grassland areas, the moor has wet woodlands consisting of pine and birch. In
the eastern part of the moor are the two natural moor lakes, Kleiner See (Small
Lake) and Grundloser See (Bottomless Lake). They are surrounded by sphagnum moss and fescue grasses. The abundance of bilberries is noticeable.
There are several stories about how
the second lake came to get its name. One of them refers to the dark oxygen-depleted
water, which has the optical effect of making the lake look bottomless. In reality the lake is only two metres deep.
Today it is assumed that Grundloser
See might have been created by a meteor impact in prehistoric times.
All around Grundloser See there are
beautifully peaceful circular trails, which invite you on a relaxing walk in the
countryside.
Getting there:
Walsrode-Fulde: In the village of Fulde, turn off to Forsthof Fulde. Drive 400m straight on until you reach the visitor car park. A footpath is signposted from there.
Coordinates for car park: N52.90191 E9.55477
Coordinates for Grundlose See: N52.901759 E9.547281
