In Germany there are 103 specially cultivated landscapes that are protected as nature parks. Lüneburger Heide Nature Park was the very first nature park in Germany and it remains one of the biggest and most popular. It covers an area of 107,000 hectares, extending from Buchholz in der Nordheide in the north to Soltau in the south, Schneverdingen in the west and Lüneburg in the east.
Lüneburger Heide Nature Park covers the largest interconnected area of heathland in Central Europe. From 8 August to 9 September, when the heather blooms mauve and purple, it is transformed into a sea of colour. The landscape of the park also features moors, deciduous forests, streams, rivers and charming villages with thatched farmhouses.
At the centre of the park, surrounded by heath is the Wilseder Berg, which at 169.2 m above sea level is the highest elevation in the North-West German lowland plain. From the hillside there is a wonderful panoramic view across the expanse of the heath. In good weather, you can even spot the towers of Lüneburg and Hamburg.
