Hainesch/Iland, Nature reserve in Bergstedt, Germany

Hainesch/Iland is a nature reserve situated between the Sasel and Bergstedt neighborhoods, covering about 71 hectares of diverse habitats. The landscape combines forests, wetlands, and meadows that are crossed by marked walking paths for visitors.

The area received official protection status in 1975, marking an important moment in Hamburg's conservation history. This designation ensured the preservation of these natural habitats for future generations.

The reserve draws local nature enthusiasts who spend time observing wildlife and taking photographs throughout the seasons. School groups frequently use the area for environmental education and hands-on learning about local ecosystems.

Paths through Hainesch/Iland are open to pedestrians and cyclists, but some smaller trails have been closed to keep quiet biotopes for wildlife. The Saselbek is dammed at the Bergstedter Alte Mühle, now a café and restaurant, and the reserve lies on the left bank of the Alster where the Saselbek meets it.

The kingfisher population here is the most important in Hamburg, and the birds nest in burrows they dig into the steep, fissured banks of the Saselbek. The stream is dammed at the Bergstedter Alte Mühle, now a café and restaurant, just before it nears the Alster.