Wittenbergen

Summary

The Wittenbergen nature reserve is located south of Rissen, directly on the northern bank of the Elbe opposite the Elbe island of Nesssand. On the higher part of the geest lies a heathland with an oak coppice forest and inland dunes. The rugged cliffs of the lower Elbe slope provide a fascinating scenery for a walk on the Elbe beach. Wittenbergen Beach with the Falkensteiner Ufer is Hamburg's last natural beach due to the quality of its sand. The periodically flooded Elbe meadows lie behind the beach embankment. They are one of the last locations of the snake's head in Hamburg.

Description

The tide-influenced Elbe riverbank areas are now among the most nutrient-rich areas in northern Germany. Great manna grass, butterbur, angelica, comfrey and marsh marigolds grow here. Even the endangered snake's head fritillary has established itself in the Wittenberg wetlands. However, it is not part of the original vegetation, but has probably only become established since the meadows began to be used. In the higher part of the nature reserve, alongside broom heather, common nard, grey hair-grass and wavy hair-grass, there is also an oak coppice forest, which is a reminder of the area's former agricultural use. Bizarrely shaped pine trees line the path time and again. The sand sedge, which spreads out in straight lines and is sometimes called ‘God's sewing machine’, grows on the open sandy areas. The Wittenberg wetlands are home to amphibians such as the green frog and the common toad. The steep, sun-drenched slopes of the Elbe provide an ideal habitat for sand lizards in particular. They find sheltered spots in bushes and shrubs here, as well as plenty of sun on vegetation-free sandy areas and tree stumps. On sunny days, they can also be seen sunbathing on the rocks at the foot of the slope.