The Aller-Leine valley in the south of Lüneburg Heath is a true haven for storks.
Every year, between the end of March and the beginning of April, the storks leave their warm winter residence and return to their existing breeding nest in the Aller-Leine valley, where they begin to mate.
Until mid-August, the adult storks stay with their young in the Aller-Leine valley. During this time, the lush meadows along the rivers Leine and Aller provide the birds with ample food.
This is also the best time for animal enthusiasts to observe free-roaming storks on two different ‘Stork Cycle Routes’.
Almost every village in the Aller-Leine-Tal has a stork's nest. Some storks have built their nest on a baker’s chimney, while others choose a church tower or a farm. In the height of summer, storks can also be seen when the farmers are tedding the hay in the fields.
The circular cycle routes take you approx. 40 km through the Aller-Leine valley and past some of the most stunning stork nests.
Because of the circular nature of the cycle trail, the route brings you back to where you parked your car.
Places to stay:
We recommend staying overnight in the Hotel Heide-Kröpke in Essel. The Schloss Bothmer guesthouse and hotels in Hodenhagen are also conveniently situated.