Herrenholz, Protected area in Goldenstedt and Visbek, Germany.
Herrenholz is a protected woodland reserve spanning 700 hectares between Goldenstedt and Visbek, featuring oak-hornbeam forests, wetland areas, and alder riparian forests. Multiple walking paths connect these different landscape types, allowing visitors to experience the varied habitats throughout the reserve.
The woodland was first documented in 819 when it appeared in a protection letter from Emperor Ludwig the Pious under the name 'Fürstliches Gehölz auf Hollwedehusen'. This early record shows that the area was already recognized as an important forest resource in the early Middle Ages.
The woodland retains its historical connection to nobility through centuries of hunting and timber management practices, a legacy reflected in its name Herrenholz. These traditions shaped how the forest looks and functions today.
The reserve can be accessed via multiple walking paths, with an information point at Wildapfelweg in Goldenstedt for questions and guided tours. The terrain is easy to navigate on foot and welcomes visitors throughout most of the year.
The reserve is home to the Königseiche, a notable oak tree that measured approximately 4 meters in diameter at its last recorded measurement. This massive tree serves as a visible reminder of the woodland's age and continuity.
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