Aalbeek-Niederung, Nature reserve between Timmendorfer Strand and Ratekau, Germany

The Aalbeek-Niederung is a nature reserve that spreads across wetlands, meadows, and woodlands between Timmendorfer Strand and Ratekau. The area provides habitats for numerous bird species and shelters several rare plant varieties throughout its different zones.

The area formed through natural silting of the former Hemmelsdorf Fjord, which led to the creation of Hemmelsdorf Lake. It received protected status in 1984 and has since preserved this habitat in its natural state.

The reserve lies between Timmendorfer Strand and the Hemmelsdorfer See, a lake formed from a post-glacial Baltic fjord. The Aalbeek and Twerbek streams drain the lake into the Baltic Sea. Near the lake's north shore, a lookout tower gives views over the reserve, the lake and parts of the Lübeck Bay.

The area features multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty, including an easy route of about 7.77 kilometers from Groß Timmendorf. Visitors should bring waterproof shoes depending on the season, as paths may pass through wet areas.

When Baltic high water keeps Hemmelsdorf Lake from draining, the low-lying meadows are flooded over large areas. The reserve then becomes a resting and wintering ground for greylag geese, tufted ducks, shoveler, wigeon, heron and scaup.