Tatenhauser Wald, Nature reserve in Halle, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Tatenhauser Wald is a protected nature reserve in Halle comprising three separate forest sections spanning 114 hectares in total. The areas feature mixed beech and oak woodlands with numerous ancient trees and watercourses that flow through the landscape.

The Tatenhauser Wald has been a nature reserve of 114 hectares since 1969, when the three separate sections in Hörste and Bokel were placed under protection. Large parts of it belong to the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The forest is still managed for timber, but single trees are felled instead of clear-cutting, and over 400 old trees are left standing to decay naturally.

The forest surrounds Wasserschloss Tatenhausen, a water castle whose old walls and park areas provide habitats for various bat species and other wildlife. This connection between the historic structure and the natural environment shapes how visitors experience the place.

Visitors can explore the area on several marked walking trails while observing forest birds and other wildlife. The paths are reasonably accessible but require sturdy footwear, especially during wet conditions.

Around 25% of all beetle species found in Germany live in wood at its various stages of decay, and they often lack enough habitat in managed commercial forests. For this reason, more than 400 old trees in Tatenhauser Wald are left standing and, after they die, left to decay naturally.