Riddagshausen

Riddagshausen is a nature reserve in eastern Brunswick comprising eleven ponds, mixed forests, and meadows that cover a large area. Marked pathways crisscross the reserve for different visitors, and information boards throughout explain the landscape and wildlife.

Cistercian monks established the pond systems between the 12th and 13th centuries, creating dozens of fishponds for their monastery. This early use of the land formed the foundation for the protected area that exists today.

The reserve serves as a space where locals and visitors watch seasonal changes and observe migrating birds throughout the year. The meadows and forest edges transform with each season, offering a place where people experience nature's rhythms directly.

The reserve welcomes visitors in all seasons, with spring and autumn being ideal for birdwatching due to migration patterns. Waterproof shoes are advisable since paths cross damp areas and can become muddy after rain.

Highland cattle and Icelandic ponies roam the reserve as part of conservation efforts, where their grazing naturally maintains the meadows. Their presence makes experiencing the landscape feel genuine rather than manicured or controlled.