Ölbachtal mit Augustdorfer Dünenfeld, Nature reserve in Augustdorf, Germany.
This nature reserve spans about 169 hectares across Oerlinghausen and Augustdorf, combining pine forests, heathlands, and sand dunes into one landscape. The terrain shifts between different habitats that support various plants and animals across the protected area.
Protected since 1956, this area contains some of Northwestern Germany's oldest inland dunes, formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age through wind action on sand. These dunes show how past climate shaped the land.
Information panels along the trails explain how plants and animals live together in this landscape and why protection matters here. Visitors can see how people use this space to learn about nature and understand its workings.
The reserve has marked hiking paths suitable for different fitness levels and easy to follow throughout the area. Visitors can download GPS tracks to navigate the trails independently if they prefer.
A former sand quarry operated here until 1975 and was later transformed into shallow water bodies that now shelter amphibians and insects. This transformation shows how past industrial use can become valuable wildlife habitat.
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