The lyrics of a well-known song goes like: \u201eWhen the white lilac blooms again.\u201c In this case yellow plants are fine, because this Sunday we marvel at something special: the spring adonis. This wonderful plant is under nature protection and can only be found in some isolated regions. One of them is the Heeseberg at Watenstedt, which offers an interesting geological trail at the same time because we walk on the upper part of the lower mottled sandstone, the so called \u201egranular limestone zone\u201c. As well as nature lovers and bilologists and geologists get\u2019s it\u2019s money\u2019s worth on this hike.<\/p>\n
St. Stephan and a closed museum<\/strong> On our way to the starting point at Watenstedt we meet Till Eulenspiegel. The fool of Sch\u00f6ppenstedt is sitting in front of a castle-like retirement home. Well, even jesters get old. We reach Watenstedt. Frederik choose a parking space in advance which does not seem to be trustworthy on closer inspection. Dubious characters with second-rate SUV\u2019s make trouble. We decide to park our car on a back road at Watenstedt. <\/p>\n We have a look at the village first, eventually there are two sight seeings on our list: the church St. Stephan and the Heeserberger Museum. As both institutions are closed due to Corona we only take a short look and continue towards Beierstedt. We leave Watenstedt and take a left turn into a country road. It leads us directly into the next village. On our way we pass by a chanting blackbird. A manor on the left side draws my attention. <\/p>\n Hoping and relying<\/strong> Who is beeping?<\/strong> We are approaching the restaurant and espy the tower of Heeseberg behind. The handwritten proposition on the slate in front of the tavern attracts us with sweet potatoe soup and yellow boletus ingredients, but only \u201eto go\u201c. Hm, unfortunately that does not suit our plans, instead the 20 metres tower is accessible, let\u2019s do it. From above we enjoy a panoramic view onto the landscape and the Heeseberg. It is time for a lunch break. <\/p>\n Adonis with floweret<\/strong> Next we reach the stone pit granular limestone which shape reminds me of caviar. I guess it does not taste that good. Me, however, wants to see the adonis at least. Finally I can see some yellow dabbers sticking out from the dry grassland. Here they are, the seldom and therefore much sought-after adonis flowers. At first we only see some scattered plants, but later on we reach a meadow covered completely with this beautiful flower. Reason enough for Frederik to throw himself onto the ground. This is how the photo \u201eadonis with its floweret\u201c was made \u2013 much to the exhiliration of the audience.<\/p>\n Yellow sun, blue violas<\/strong> The H\u00fcnenburg<\/strong> Dark clouds are gathering from the west and also the wind blows faster. Luckily we are almost back at Watenstedt. We are back at our car safe and sound. On our return path we greet Till Eulenspiegel once more in front of his retirement home before we reach Braunschweig again.<\/p>\n
\nWe are inspired by the tour Heeseberg \u2013 Adonisr\u00f6schen \u2013 Watenstedt. My hiking mate downloaded the track on his mobile, a good idea though as signposting is almost none existing here. On the geological path is marked.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTo hope and have confidence\u201d that is what is written on a house wall at Beierstedt. Definitely two important catchwords, especially in times of Corona. We pass by the manor Reina with its deer badge. I am still looking for \u201emy\u201c estate and I\u2019d like to learn more. Close to the domain Frederik addresses a dog owner asking whether she can tell us something about the property. Unfortunately she can\u2019t. I see that the street the premises is located on is called \u201ebehind the forge\u201c. I assume that it might me a historic forge, but that\u2019s all we are told. <\/p>\n
\nWe make a right turn towards the Heeseberg. I hear wonderful bird voices from the trees and wonder where the dicky sits. After some time I see it. Unfortunately I do not know much about wildlife. Frederik can help me out. It is a great tit he tells me. It is quite interesting what I can hear and see if I just stand still for a while concentrating on my surrounding.
\nWe climb the hill and reach the restaurant Heese 5. Below the tavern is a bench with a panoramic view. We sit down for a while and listen to the bird\u2019s sounds. Frederik hears a blue tit and skylark. \u201eThird to sparrow and blackbird\u201c, Frederik says, \u201ethe great tit is the third most common singing bird in Germany.\u201c I am amazed, I learned something new!<\/p>\n
\nBut where are my promised adonis flowers? I am a little bit afraid that I might not see some today. Well at first we discover the geological past of the place as we reach the Stromatolithen and have a look at the information board. I discover the time bar. I wonder how to determine the age of a rock? Later on I learn that this can be done with the help of so called special fossilise. It crazy if you imagine how old the soil under our feet might be. <\/p>\n
\nWe are not only enchanted by the sun-like yellow adonis flowers but also by the blue violas blooming on the Heeseberg. Some jolly bumblebees do also enjoy the blooming plants. It only takes some patience to take a picture of them.<\/p>\n
\nAnother highlight awaits us on our hike: the H\u00fcnenburg. The building from the Late Bronze Age does not exist anymore. It take a lot of imagination to detect anything here. Only an information board located where the castle used to be gives us an idea. <\/p>\n