Where heroes are hiking
I learned about it from an acquaintance: There is a nature reserve (NSG) in the Leine Valley. It is called Leinpolder. There are supposed to be sea eagles there as well. I was immediately hooked. I noted the name and planned to Google the address after the conversation. Through the continuing education program for nature scouts, I found the area: the Leinepolder nature reserve. I am excited and immediately inform my hiking buddy Burkhard about my new discovery. We research a hiking tour on Komoot. A look at Google Maps also reveals that there is a castle called Heldenburg near Salzderhelden (great name!). Is that true? Yes, it couldn’t be better; that’s exactly our thing.
The Northeim Lake District – Deluxe Gravel Extraction
The very next weekend, we head towards Northeim. On the highway, I notice the sign for “Northeimer Seenplatte.” It immediately reminds me of the Mecklenburg Lake District. When we exit and find ourselves in a gravel landscape, the vacation feeling is somewhat limited. We stop at a nook that seems to function as a parking lot. Next to us is a local from Northeim who makes no effort to get out. Is this a meeting place for economic criminals or secret “dumpers”? I can already tell my imagination is running wild again.
Another one bites the dust
The scenery may look different here in summer. However, in spring, the gravel ponds do not seem particularly inviting to us. Moreover, we have to swallow a lot of dust before we reach the dike and thus the nature reserve. We walk towards Salzderhelden, where we want to see the ruins of Heldenburg. Along the way, we keep craning our necks to the sky, hoping to spot the sea eagle.
Milans, storks, and plenty of geese
With every bird sound, we tilt our heads back, and our pulse quickens. Oh yes, but it’s again “only” red kites or honking geese. Geese, lots of geese. I always wonder what they are actually talking about. I imagine the birds meeting for coffee and gossiping about their “old man.” 😊 In short: Our search for a sea eagle unfortunately remains unsuccessful. However, we experience another surprise. Just before reaching Salzderhelden, we see plenty of storks. One flies right over our heads with a fish in its beak. Feeding time. The stork disappears behind the dike. We want to know where it has gone. As we climb the hill, we become aware of the full extent: we are faced with numerous stork nests, all well-frequented. In fact, the birds were nesting on the masts of the railway line. We can’t stop marveling. As far as the eye can see, we see stork nests.
At Heldenburg
We cross a large, wide bridge from the nature reserve to Salzderhelden. We follow the bike path signs to the castle. The ruins were already clearly visible from the hiking trail. It is located right in the town center on a hill. Right next to it, we discover the castle tavern. We walk up to the castle ruins and are pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained the area is. There are numerous information boards and a miniature model of the old castle to discover. Additionally, from up here, you enjoy a wonderful view over the town. The deep blue sky and the shining sun add to the experience. After thoroughly exploring and photographing the area, we head to the castle tavern.
The restaurant has a lovely terrace that is sheltered from the wind. Luckily, a table in the sun is free. We are served quickly and very friendly. We are thrilled, not only with the tavern but also with the incredibly low prices. We quickly make ourselves comfortable with coffee and cake, so much so that we don’t want to leave. But, as the saying goes: “Everything has an end, only the sausage has two”. Finally, we set off and walk back to the car. My conclusion: Even though the hiking trail along the dyke through the nature reserve Leinepolder is not particularly spectacular, the visit to the ruins of Heldenburg and the tavern of the same name was definitely worth it.”
