Altwarper Binnendünen, Neuwarper See und Riether Werder, Nature reserve near Altwarp, Germany.
This protected area spans about 1,460 hectares of coastal-influenced landscape in eastern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, featuring inland dunes, wetlands, reed beds, and a freshwater lake. The terrain combines different natural zones from open water to forested sections and transitional grasslands.
The landscape took shape at the end of the last ice age around 10,000 years ago when glacial meltwater from the Uecker and Randow valleys carved out a lagoon system. This geological foundation continues to define the visible forms seen in the land today.
A memorial in this area honors workers who died under harsh conditions during the Second World War. The wooden crosses display names and ages, allowing visitors to reflect on this difficult chapter of the land's past.
Several hiking routes connect different sections, including a roughly 15-kilometer path through Juniper Valley starting from Altwarp. Bring layers and water for these walks, as the open landscape offers little shade and weather can change quickly.
The inland dunes here reach heights of around 15 meters through wind action and create specialized environments for rare plants like marram grass and sheep fescue. This dune flora adapted to dry, windy conditions looks strikingly different from the wetter areas nearby.
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