What is the best thing in this challenging times? Right, the discovery of something new, something unexpected that fascinates me right from the start, fires my imagination and thus demanding all of my attention. I was lucky to make such a discovery yesterday. I am talking about the castle Oelber am wei\u00dfen Wege. It hits us as a complete surprise. Suddenly the beauty stands in front of us. Even though we cannto get close to it we are absolutely spell-bound by the aesthetics of the building which resembles a medieval-aged fortress from a distance. Only the knights and the damsels are missing to clinch the deal. It is really tough on me that I cannot explore the castle. Maybe another time, after Corona.<\/p>\n
The track<\/strong> strong>At the castle ruins Lichtenberg<\/strong> On the Salzgitter ridgeway<\/strong> The way from the Gau\u00dfstein runs via the wonderful Salzgitter ridgeway. At the next crossing we turn to the right and walk downhill towards Oelber am wei\u00dfen Wege. We still follow the signs of the long distance trail. We cross the federal highway once and walk uphill. <\/p>\n Spring snowflake is blooming<\/strong> Castle Oelber am wei\u00dfen Wege<\/strong> Geese as watchdogs<\/strong> Alongside the Rasteberg<\/strong> We do not like this part of the track too much, as this is a broad forest road by now which is partly quite slobbery and boring. After a while we arrive at the nature reserve open pit mining Havelahwiese. There is not much to see, only a pond is left over. We pass by the namesake parking lot and walk via Altenhagen back to the ruins of Lichtenberg where we parked our car. <\/p>\n Overall we liked the loop road even though the way back was a little bit boring due to the forest road. Whereas the first part of the hike is quite good signposted via the Calenberg-Harz-Weg, we recommend the use of a GPS track for the second part.<\/p>\n Our conclusion: The highlights of this hiking trail are definitely located at the beeginning of the tour. Howevere we are quite astonished what kind of beautiful sights Salzgitter has to offer.<\/p>\n
\nThis sunday we are hiking in our region. We drive to Salzgitter, more precisly to the Burgruine Lichtenberg where we start. We are inspired by a suggested track from the internet. <\/p>\n
\nThe parking lot at the castle ruins is quite packed this sunday morning even though the weather is rather cold and foggy today. At first we climb the hill to the ruins and take a good look around. The castle was established in the second half of the seventieth century. The site was once surrounded by a 12 metre broad ditch. The foundation walls, once 1.50 metres broad, can still be recognized. The peel is still standing, however it cannot be crested by now. We were astonished to learn that some of the rooms used to have heating already. <\/p>\n
\nWe leave the ruins and follow the signs of the long distance trail called “Calenberg-Harz-trail” which leads us to the Gau\u00dfstein. In this area the well-known mathematician and geodisist Gau\u00df had a surveying column errected. His dead is recognized with this memorial stone. <\/p>\n
\nA little bit later we discover the first spring snowflakes which cover the forest ground like a carpet. It is nice to see how nature slowly awakes from hibernation. It sets an example of hope. In due course of our hiking trail we pass by again and agains such spring snowflake carpets.<\/p>\n
\nWe approach the village Oebler am wei\u00dfen Wege. Having arrived there our focus is concentrated on the beautiful manor. We approach the site and suddenly spot the big red sign saying: private property. Too bad. And it gets even worse. Because some meters behind we discover the castle Oelber, which seems to be the perfect medieval fortress. However there is no chance to explore this site because the only entrance is the manor. <\/p>\n
\nWe leave Oelber and walk uphill towards the Elber Berg. Suddenly we hear very loud and excited almost aggressively gaggeling. Three geese are approaching us. Fortunately they are behind an electric fence. When we get closer to them the gaggeling gets louder and louder. Sometimes, I read later on the internet, geese have been used as watchdogs. One thing is for sure: they are loud!<\/p>\n
\nWe walk alongside the Rasteberg at the edge of the forest. Three deers are crossing our way. I manage to take a picture of one of them. Looking backwards we take a last look onto oelber. On our right hand side we have a panoramic view on Baddeckenstedt. We walk into the forest. After some time we arrive at the sports ground Gro\u00df Elber, where we are received by fierce yapping. The area seems to be a popular meeting point for dog owners who train their pack here. The noise is really annoying so that we continue our hike fast on the “wei\u00dfer Weg”.<\/p>\n