Easy hikes and walks around Bückeberg

The dinosaur tracks in the Bückeberg sandstone quarries are among the most impressive relics of prehistoric times in Northern Germany. In the sandstone layers of the former Obernkirchen quarry, dinosaur footprints have been preserved, dating back approximately 140 million years, when this area was a flat coastal landscape with lagoons and wet sandy areas. Various dinosaur species roamed these soft soils, leaving their tracks in the sand that hardened over time. Both tracks of herbivorous dinosaurs and the typical three-toed footprints of carnivorous species are visible. The sheer number and density of the preserved tracks hint at just how teeming this landscape must have been in the early Cretaceous period. Today, the tracks lie exposed in the rock, offering a direct glimpse into a long-vanished world where enormous animals roamed what is now the Schaumburg region. Today the quarry is part of a protected natural and recreational area and is integrated into a nature trail that introduces visitors to the origin of the traces, the environment at that time and the geological significance of the Bückeberge.

The Brandshof shelter is idyllically situated near Wendthagen-Ehlen in the Bückeberg hills and is a popular rest stop and meeting place for hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. Nestled in the wooded, hilly landscape of the Bückeberg, it offers a tranquil spot to linger and relax amidst nature. The shelter is located on several well-maintained hiking trails and is often used as a starting or ending point for tours through the surrounding mixed forests. From here, numerous scenic features of the region can be discovered, including springs, old quarries, and viewpoints overlooking the Schaumburg region. Besides providing shelter from the elements, the Brandshof shelter is also a meeting place: the local tourism association and hiking groups regularly use it for joint events and social gatherings. Thus, the Brandshof shelter uniquely combines experiencing nature, relaxation, and community, and is an integral part of the leisure and hiking opportunities in the Bückeberg.

The "Alter Steinbruch Liekwegen" nature reserve encompasses a 22-hectare former sandstone quarry on the northern slope of the Bückeberge hills, owned by the district of Schaumburg. A nature trail has been established within the reserve. Visitors can learn about the importance of the quarry habitat and its biodiversity at two circular routes (1.7 km and 2.3 km long) and five information stations.

The fossilized tracks of the dinosaurs are 140 million years old.

A very good viewing platform with a beautiful hike that you can do here.

Obernkirchen sandstone is among the highest quality sandstones in Germany. Cologne Cathedral was partially built with this sandstone.

In the LIFE BOVAR project, NABU Lower Saxony is dedicated - together with its project and cooperation partners - to the management of the yellow-bellied toad and other endangered amphibian species as well as the targeted development of dynamic habitats for species protection. The most important goals of the project are the implementation of practical species protection measures for endangered amphibian species, the restoration and optimization of favorable habitat conditions and the strengthening of the biotope network through stepping stones and partial re-settlement in order to connect isolated populations. The target species yellow-bellied toad, midwife toad, natterjack toad and great crested newt are to benefit from this. In addition, a contribution is to be made to the restoration of the species' original distribution area. Source: https://niedersachsen.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/aktionen-und-projekte/life-bovar/31096.html

40 years of the Brandshof refuge: 1996 was almost the end. In its 40 years, the Brandshof refuge in Wendthagen has experienced numerous storms and celebrations - and was almost demolished in 1996. At that time, the nearby quarry was to be expanded - but the people of Wendthagen were able to save their hut. Source: https://www.sn-online.de/lokales/schaumburg/stadthagen/40-jahre-schutzhuette-brandshof-1996-waere-fast-schluss-gewesen-4H57KPAEAYEGTQRYGDNSVDRFPI.html