The heather is in bloom!

The Hannover Holiday Region is a magnet for nature lovers, especially during the summer months. The blooming heath, which adorns the landscape with a play of purple and pink hues during this time, offers an impressive natural spectacle that is further enhanced by the region’s unique moorland landscape.

The Magic of Heather in Bloom and the Moors

© HMTG

In the Hannover Holiday Region, heather (Calluna vulgaris) blooms from late July through early September. This natural splendor is particularly beautiful in the near-natural moorlands that surround the heathlands. The moors just outside Hannover are truly versatile: They provide an important habitat for rare plant and animal species, help combat climate change by absorbing CO2 from the air, and form a unique backdrop for the heather bloom.

Exploratory tours through the moors

The North Hanover Moor Route is an excellent way to explore these unique landscapes. This route takes you through some of Germany’s most beautiful moorlands and offers plenty of opportunities to experience the heath in full bloom. Hikers and cyclists can use the well-maintained trails to discover the unique blend of heath and moorland.

© Lars Gerhardts / HMTG

Photography and nature observation

© HMTG

The combination of blooming heath and moorland landscapes offers ideal conditions for photographers and nature observers. The soft early morning or late evening light that falls on the damp moors and flowering heath creates breathtaking scenes that are worth capturing.

Sustainability and Nature Conservation

The Hannover Holiday Region places great importance on protecting its natural resources. Visitors are encouraged to respect nature and promote sustainable tourism by staying on the designated trails and treating the environment with care.

Perfect time out in the heart of nature

After an eventful day exploring the moorlands, the region offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from charming hotels to cozy guesthouses. These include, among others, the Strandhotel Weisser Berg, the Canterea by Wiegand, and the Aparthotel Schneevoigt. To ensure a complete experience, we recommend booking in advance, especially during the peak season when the heather is in bloom. The Accommodation Service will be happy to assist you free of charge.

© Lars Gerhardts/HMTG

Getting There by Public Transportation

Traveling to the Hannover Holiday Region is also convenient by public transportation. Direct train connections take you to Hannover from various German cities. From there, you can continue your journey on regional buses and trains that run regularly to the surrounding heath and moorland areas. Take advantage of day passes or group tickets for an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the region.

These are the spots:

Moor Adventure Trail: Osterbergstraße 38, 30900 Wedemark (Resse)
The Moor Adventure Trail in Resse is a fascinating nature trail in northern Hannover. Along a route of about 3 kilometers, visitors can explore the unique moor landscape and learn more about the flora and fauna of this ecosystem. The trail is accessible to all and features informative signs that provide fascinating insights into how the moor formed and how it is used. It’s ideal for a relaxing stroll and an educational nature experience.

Totes Moor Nature Trail: The trail begins at the intersection of Moorstraße and Hubertusstraße in Mardorf
—at the Mardorf/Vogeldamm bus stop (bus lines 831/835) or parking lot P 12 (Hubertusstraße)
. The Totes Moor Nature Trail in Hannover offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique landscape of the Totes Moor up close. On this approximately 7-kilometer-long loop trail, you can discover moorlandscapes, rare plants, and animals. The trail winds through various moor and heathland landscapes and provides information about the ecological importance of the moors. With well-marked stations and informational signs, you’ll learn more about the nature and history of this fascinating habitat. Ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts!

© Matthias Falk

Brelinger Berg Geology Trail: Am Klagesfeld, Wedemark (Bennemühlen district). Public transportation: Take the S4 to Bennemühlen
. The “Bewegte Steine” (Moving Stones) Geology Trail in Wedemark invites visitors on a fascinating journey of discovery through the region’s geological history. Along a 5.5-kilometer route, visitors learn at various stations how the landscape was formed by geological processes. Interactive elements and informative signs vividly illustrate how rocks and Earth’s structures were shaped. The trail offers not only an educational experience but also a beautiful hike through nature. Ideal for families, schools, and those interested in geology.

© © Department of the Environment, Region Hannover

Reiterheide Helstorf: To Reiterheide, Neustadt am Rübenberge (Helstorf district). Public transportation: Bus 870 to Helstorf/Walsroder Straße
The heathland is located east of Helstorf, a district of Neustadt am Rübenberge, on inland dunes at the edge of the Leine Valley. This area, approximately 10 hectares in size, is a remnant of the once-extensive Helstorf Heath. The Reiterheide is part of the “Blankes Moor” landscape conservation area and one of the last large areas of heathland in the Region Hannover covered with dwarf shrub heath.

© Claus Kirsch

Blankes Flat Warmeloh: Am langen Felde, Neustadt am Rübenberge (Warmeloh district). Public transportation: Bus 870 to Warmeloh
. The Blanke Flat is a nature reserve in Warmeloh (Esperke) and Vesbeck, Neustadt am Rübenberge, Lower Saxony. Spanning an area of about 65 hectares, it features a small heathland pond and various rare plant species. The origin of the pond is a matter of debate. The Heimatbund and local associations, supported by the Neustadt Lions Club, are committed to the protection and maintenance of the area. The EU has designated the Blanke Flat as an FFH site. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking trails and a rest area by the moorland lake.