The Dead Ground
A natural paradise with a mystical history, surrounded by enchanting heathland!
The Totengrund, a basin of about 30 hectares, lies near the picturesque village of
Wilsede in the enchanting Lüneburg Heath. This fascinating terrain is undoubtedly a testament to times gone by and represents one of the most famous natural gems in the entire region. It is believed that the valley basin was formed during the Ice Age and is now covered with lush vegetation of heather and juniper bushes. Along with the
Wilseder Berg, the Totengrund is one of the most outstanding landscape formations of the Lüneburg Heath and is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and history enthusiasts alike.
The history of the Totengrund is as diverse as the land itself. In 1906, the dedicated Egestorf pastor Wilhelm Bode acquired the site together with the investor Andreas Thomsen from Münster, thus laying the foundation for what later became the
Luneburg Heath Nature Reserve, one of the first and largest nature reserves in Germany. But why is this idyllic place called Totengrund anyway?
Toter Grund - Where does the name come from?
There are numerous theories and stories about this. One plausible explanation is that the heath farmers used to call the area "Dead Ground" because it was not very fertile soil that carried very little water due to its nature as a dry valley.
Another theory is that Dead Ground got its name because deceased people from the village of Wilsede used to make a diversion through the valley on their way to their final resting place in order to avoid the usual roads. So the place definitely has a mystical and legendary past, because in the stories of the Lüneburg Heath, the Totengrund is the place where the victims of an ancient conflict between two hostile and militarily organised giant groups are buried.
The geological formation of the Totengrund is still a mystery today and gives rise to scientific discussions. Four main theories exist, including a possible glacial origin through the action of ice or meltwater, a subsidence of surface material over cavities of dissolved bedrock, a meteorite impact or a periglacial origin through erosion processes. The latter is considered the most likely explanation, as comparable valley depressions with steep slopes can also be found elsewhere in the Lüneburg Heath. It is assumed that ice-age snow deposits led to a steepening of the slopes, forming the karst-like formations of the Totengrund.
Today, the Totengrund is a unique part of the nature reserve, surrounded by hiking trails on the upper edge and offering an impressive view of the terrain covered with heather and juniper. As with most heath-covered areas in the nature reserve, walking on the Totengrund is not permitted in order to protect the fragile habitats and delicate flora and fauna.
Happily, however, there are many other ways to explore this enchanting place. Visitors can reach the Totengrund on foot or by bike, or join one of the traditional
carriage ridesfrom the surrounding villages of Oberhaverbeck, Niederhaverbeck, Undeloh, Döhle or Sudermühlen.
Deeply rooted in history!
At the turn of the century around 1900, the area of the Wilseder Berg with the Totengrund was already a supra-regional attraction and attracted numerous visitors who travelled to Döhle by train. Richard Linde, the author of the first monograph on the Lüneburg Heath, described the Totengrund as one of the "most magnificent things the Heath has to offer". At that time, however, the decline of traditional heath farming also began, as more and more heath land was used for arable farming and the unique heath landscape slowly disappeared.
Happily, the dedicated pastor Wilhelm Bode campaigned to preserve at least some of this valuable landscape. By purchasing the Totengrund and later the Wilseder Berg, he laid the foundation for today's Lüneburg Heath nature reserve. His efforts were finally rewarded when the area was officially placed under nature conservation in 1921.
Over the years, however, there have also been challenges and conflicts regarding nature conservation and the use of the area. Attacks against the nature reserve came from local interest groups who saw their economic interests affected by the protection of the heathland. Disputes even escalated between the Heidewacht and the Nature Conservation Park Association, both of which had different ideas about the protection and use of the area.
Today, the Totengrund stands as a testament to times past and a jewel of nature owned by the Nature Conservation Park Association. This association is passionately committed to the preservation and protection of the Lüneburg Heath and works to preserve this unique landscape for future generations.
The Totengrund is a place of silence and reflection, nestled in the breathtaking scenery of the Lüneburg Heath. The impressive hollow shape of the valley basin and the surrounding flora and fauna make it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Here you can roam through flowering heaths, enjoy the beguiling scent of juniper bushes and discover a rich variety of plants and animals.
When you visit the Totengrund, immerse yourself in the fascinating past of Lüneburg Heath and learn more about the history, geology and nature conservation of this unique region. Experience the magic of this wonderful place and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of nature. Welcome to the Totengrund - a true paradise in the middle of the Lüneburg Heath!
Hiking tours around the TotengrundBike tours around the Totengrund