Gipskarstlandschaft Hainholz, Nature reserve in Osterode am Harz, Germany.
Gipskarstlandschaft Hainholz is a protected area covering about 640 hectares with gypsum cliffs, caves, and sinkholes in Lower Saxony. The landscape features typical karst formations with underground water systems and open rock valleys.
The area received official protection status in 1967 to preserve its distinctive gypsum karst formations. Protection measures were updated in 2020 to ensure ongoing conservation under current conditions.
The name Hainholz refers to the beech forests that historically shaped this landscape. During a visit, you can still see how the forest and the karst formations are intertwined and create a single ecosystem.
The reserve has well-marked walking trails that pass through different landscape zones with good viewpoints along the way. Wear sturdy footwear and watch your footing during wet weather, as the ground can become slippery.
The Jettenhöhle cave system extends 748 meters through the gypsum rock and ranks among the region's largest gypsum formations. Exploring the cave reveals the underground world and shows how water has shaped rock over vast time periods.
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