) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The sand pits at Föhrenbuck, located in the southern part of Nuremberg, are part of a designated nature reserve (NSG) that protects a unique dry and sandy habitat. The area includes former sand extraction sites, open sandy ground, sparse pine woodland, and patches of dry grassland. These habitats support a limited but interesting range of bird species adapted to open, nutrient-poor environments.
Birdwatching at Föhrenbuck is not characterized by large numbers of waterbirds or forest species but rather by the presence of birds typical of dry, open, and early-successional habitats. Common sightings include рибарче, шумска трепетилка, and обично страче in summer. The open landscape also attracts Обична (Црнонокна) ветрушка and the occasional сокол ластовичар. During migration, the area can host ливадска трепетилка, обично камењарче, and other ground-feeding species.
While bird diversity is not especially high, the site is notable for its specialized species and the opportunity to observe birds in a rare habitat type within an urban setting.
Details
Access
Sandgruben am Föhrenbuck is located on the southern outskirts of Nuremberg. The area can be reached by car and parking is available. Press P on the map for directions to a parking. The site is well connected by public transport. Tram line 6 and several bus lines stop at "Klinikum Süd," which is just a few minutes' walk from the reserve. From the tram stop, follow signs toward "Föhrenbuck" or "Sandgruben."
The area is also easily accessible by bike via local cycling routes from central Nuremberg or surrounding districts. The terrain is mostly flat, and bike racks can be found at the reserve entrance.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , SandyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Autumn , Summer , SpringBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The nature reserve “Sandgruben am Föhrenbuck” was officially designated on February 26, 1992, making it the first nature reserve within the city of Nuremberg. Covering 21.3 hectares, it is located in the southern part of the city between Marthweg, Wiener Straße, and the “Süd” residual waste deposit site.
The main purpose of the protection is to preserve the former sand extraction areas as an undisturbed habitat for a rich variety of animal and plant life, including a large number of endangered species. Despite its location within an urban setting, the area supports a unique ecological community adapted to dry, sandy, and nutrient-poor conditions. In addition to its value for birdlife, the Föhrenbuck is also known for its diverse insect fauna, including wild bees, grasshoppers, and butterflies, which benefit from the open landscape.
Educational signs along the walking paths provide insights into the site's geology, flora, and fauna, making it a valuable destination for both nature observation and environmental education.
Links
- naturschutzgebiet-sandgruben-am-foehrenbuck
- Bird list on eBird for Sandgruben am Föhrenbuck Nürnberg (NSG)