Bullenkuhle, Natural sinkhole in Sprakensehl, Germany
Bullenkuhle is a natural sinkhole within a pine forest near Sprakensehl, spanning roughly 130 meters across and dropping about 15 meters deep. The basin is bordered by steep slopes, while a marsh area occupies the bottom.
The sinkhole formed through dissolution of rock salt originating from ancient Permian-age deposits buried deep beneath the surface. This process of gradual collapse created the depression over millions of years.
The name Bullenkuhle comes from regional language and means Bull's Hollow, reflecting how locals refer to this type of geological depression. Visitors today see a natural basin surrounded by pine forest that creates its own distinct habitat.
Visiting requires good footing and sturdy shoes, as the slopes are steep and can be slippery. The marshy ground at the bottom is wet and best avoided unless wearing waterproof gear.
The basin floor is home to a rare water plant, the Dwarf White Water Lily, which grows only under specific conditions. The water remains highly acidic, preventing most other plants from thriving there.
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