Sprötze: Brunsberg - 360 degree panorama

At 129 metres, Brunsberg in northern Lüneburg Heath is not much lower than the famous Wilseder Berg and thus the highest elevation of the glacial moraine tract southwest of Buchholz i. d. Nordheide.

It offers probably the best 360° panorama in Lüneburg Heath and is completely surrounded by forests.

Since 1954, approximately 65 ha of Brunsberg has been designated as a Nature Reserve, making it the second oldest protected area in Harburg district. Extensive sand heaths characterize the steep slopes and the partially deeply cut valleys of the Brunsberg. Occasionally, crowberry can be seen and in moister places you will find cross-leaved heath, which prefers the wetlands. Everywhere in the area, bilberry also occurs and complements the species spectrum of these dwarf shrub heaths.

In the traditional way, the hills are grazed by the well-known Heidschnucken sheep. Through grazing and other management, such as plaggen or mowing, a lot of young, juicy heather is encouraged, which blossoms particularly well in August and September. From the imposing freestanding hilltop you have a breathtaking view in all directions. On a clear day you can see Wilseder Berg in the south (169m above sea level). With a little luck, even Soltau Heath Park. To the southwest you can see the tower of St. John's Church in Tostedt. The view to Hamburg is blocked by the Harburger hills.

Brunsberg has always been a magnet for walkers. In July 2012, the first Qualitätswanderweg (''premium-quality footpath'') was designated in northern Germany, the Heidschnuckenweg, leading across the Brunsberg.

Once a year, the Brunsberg race takes place.

Tip: Brunsberg offers a great view for sunset and on New Year's Eve is a popular destination to admire the fireworks of the entire region. For children, the summit offers the ideal place to fly a kite.

Brunsberg was selected as one of 32 "natural wonders of Lüneburg Heath" by Lüneburg Heath Nature Park.

Important reptile protection

The heathlands of Brunsberg are an important reptile habitat. Rarely seen but native to the area are the adder, smooth snake, sand lizard, and common lizard. All these species are protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Smooth snakes and sand lizards are also listed separately in the European Habitats Directive and therefore require special protection management.

Directions:

By car: At the Sprötze station, Sprötzer Bahnhofstraße, 21224 Sprötze

Train: Sprötze station, connection to the metronome line (RE 3) Hamburg - Bremen

From Sprötze station it is about 2.5 km to Brunsberg.

Note: In order to protect the wildlife, we ask you to keep the dogs on a lead and to only walk on the marked trails. Please do not pick the heather plants.