Duvenstedter Brook & Wohldorfer Wald

Hamburg > Germany

A mosaic of heathlands, forests and swamps, rich with breeding birds and other exciting and rare wildlife.

Added* by Mathieu Waldeck
Most recent update 23 June 2023

Description

One of Hamburgs biggest nature reserves lies in the north-east of the city and boasts a wide variety of habitats and lots of special wildlife. In addition to enigmatic birds such as Common Crane, White-tailed Eagle, Eagle Owl or Black Woodpecker, many inconspicuous species such as Eurasian River Warbler, Pied Flycatcher or Hawfinch can be found. Furthermore, the reserve boasts a huge list of mammals, including huge Red Deer and Fallow Deer (best observed in autumn), herps, rare dragonflies and butterflies, etc.

Details

Access

By car: There are several parking spots around the Duvenstedter Brook, but the best spot is next to the BrookHus at Duvenstedter Triftweg 140. One can also park near Wiemerskamp (Wiemerskamper Weg 1-5) or along the Herrenhausallee (parking at intersection with Brügkamp).

By metro: Drive the subway "U1" until the last stop "Ohlstedt". Then go north for about 3km. You can already watch and listen for birds during the walk through the Wohldorfer Wald

The Duvenstedter Brook is closed to cars, so one has to either walk or go by bike. Since the distances are quite large, a bike is definitely helpful, but not all trails allow these

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Plain , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Moors/heathland

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

There's a visitor center at Duvenstedter Triftweg 140. Opening times can be found here: https://www.hamburg.de/brookhus/

Besides birding, one of the main attraction to the reserve are the rutting seasons of Red Deer (September-October) and Fallow Deer (September-November), that can be comfortably observed from the many viewing spots.

Please, dont leave the trails!