Biosphärenreservat Elbe-Brandenburg, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve along the Elbe River, Germany.
The Biosphärenreservat Elbe-Brandenburg is a protected area along the Elbe River in Brandenburg that spans several dozen kilometers and is shaped by sandbars, flood channels, oxbow lakes, and riverside forests. The area encompasses several small towns and protects habitats vital for rare bird species and other wildlife.
The reserve was established after 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall, when the border between East and West Germany along the Elbe River was dissolved. For decades this area had served as a natural barrier and thereby became a valuable refuge for rare species.
The Stork Village of Rühstädt within the reserve hosts one of Germany's largest stork populations, with birds nesting visibly on roofs and specially built platforms throughout the settlement. These storks have become part of daily life here and draw visitors who come to watch them during breeding season.
Two visitor centers at Burg Lenzen and Rühstädt serve as starting points for exploration and provide information about the reserve's nature and wildlife. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for changing weather, as the area is open and exposed to the elements.
The dike relocation project at Lenzen represents one of Europe's largest restoration efforts, demonstrating how intentional redesign of flood defenses allows river landscapes to return to their natural state. Today visitors can observe how the river creates new channels and nature reclaims the space.
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