Totengrund, Glacial cirque in Lüneburg Heath, Bispingen, Germany.
Totengrund is a glacial basin in the Lüneburg Heath, surrounded by slopes covered with heather, juniper, and pine trees. This natural depression was carved by ancient glaciers during the ice age.
Pastor Wilhelm Bode purchased the land in 1906 to prevent development. His efforts resulted in the creation of Germany's first official nature reserve in 1921.
The name originates from local farmers who saw the infertile ground as unsuitable for crops. This historical perspective remains embedded in the place's identity today.
The reserve can only be accessed on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, as motorized vehicles are prohibited. Well-marked trails guide visitors through the area and allow for different route options.
The basin transforms into a purple landscape every August when thousands of heather plants bloom simultaneously. This seasonal display is one of the most striking sights visitors can witness.
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