Tiergarten und Schachblumenwiese

Tiergarten und Schachblumenwiese is a protected nature reserve near Sassenberg covering around 91 hectares with a mix of habitats and native plant species. The landscape combines meadows, forest sections, and wetland areas that together form a diverse ecosystem.

The protected area was established in 1956 as a small reserve and later expanded to include sections of the adjacent Sassenberg Tiergarten forest. This growth allowed for better preservation of the region's diverse plant life and expanded habitats.

The meadow preserves a gardening tradition from the 17th century when a prince-bishop introduced exotic flowers to his baroque gardens in the region. Today visitors can experience this historical connection between nature and courtly taste while walking through the site.

Information panels throughout the site explain the natural features and history at key points to help visitors understand what they are seeing. Spring is the best time to visit when the flowers bloom and the landscape shows its greatest variety.

The meadow holds a rare population of white-flowering specimens that have spread in recent years, transforming the fields into a delicate sea of blooms during flowering season. These white varieties are particularly unusual in nature and make a springtime visit a special experience.