Without us, the Lueneburg Heath Nature Reserve would not have come into being.

For more than 100 years, the Verein Naturschutzpark e.V. and its VNP Stiftung have been committed to the conservation and development of the heath landscape. Learn more about us and our work!

The Lueneburg Heath Nature Reserve

Heather blossoming: heather landscape with bench | Photo: VNP Stiftung Naturschutzpark Lüneburger Heide

The heath areas around the Wilseder Berg are among the largest contiguous heaths in the north-western European Geest and belong to the 234 km² Lueneburg Heath Nature Reserve. Founded in 1922, it is now one of the oldest nature reserves in Germany and is part of the European NATURA 2000 system of protected areas.

Flora

We have compiled photos of typical plants of the heath areas, the nutrient-poor grasslands, the heath and raised bogs, the fields and the pond bottoms.

Picture Galleries Flora

Close-up of flowering heather (Calluna vulgaris) | Verein Naturschutzpark — Flowering heather
(Calluna vulgaris)

Mating black grouse | Photo: Gurtmann — Mating black grouse

Fauna

Discover animal species of the heath, the sparse forest edges, the meadows and the streams as well as the ponds and bogs.

Picture Galleries Fauna

Discover more pictures galleries of Heidschnucken,
the heather blossoming and seasons in the nature reserve

The VNP

Three institutions come together under the abbreviation VNP: the Verein Naturschutzpark e.V., the Stiftung Naturschutzpark Lüneburger Heide and the VNP Naturpark GmbH.

Verein, Stiftung & GmbH

History of the VNP

Our work

Heath management

Heathland must be permanently maintained, otherwise it will disappear.

Heath management methods

Agriculture

Landscape management according to Bioland guidelines on our Tütsberg Farm

About Hof Tütsberg

Forest ecology

We work according to the motto “nature conservation through use”.

Our forests

Environmental education

Offers for school classes and day-care groups spark interest in nature.

The VNP children’s academy

Buildings

Our work also includes the protection and preservation of historic buildings such as sheep sheds and bee enclosures.

Buildings and nature conservation

Adventures by the red sea
(right on your doorstep)

Learn more about the history of the Lüneburg Heath and the special characteristics of this protected cultural landscape during a visit to our houses. And don’t miss our regional specialities!

Our tips for the whole family – why not visit

the Heide-ErlebnisZentrum with the café in Undeloh
the heath museum “Dat Ole Huus” in Wilsede
the self-service restaurant Milchhalle and the museum shop in Wilsede
the Nature information house in Niederhaverbeck with the exhibition “Bienenwelten”.

Frequently asked questions

Here you will find our answers to frequently asked questions
about the VNP and the Lueneburg Heath Nature Reserve.

When does the heath blossom?

As a rule of thumb, the heath blooms every year from 8th August to 9th September. Depending on the weather, the main flowering period can also shift slightly.

Heather blossoming in the Lueneburg Heath nature reserve | VNP Stiftung — Heather blossoming in the Lueneburg Heath nature reserve

How big is the nature reserve?

The Lueneburg Heath nature reserve is 234 km² in size.

Heather blossom (Calluna vulgaris) in the Lüneburger Heath nature reserve — Enjoy the vastness of the landscape at the time of the heather blossom

What does the abbreviation “VNP” mean?

VNP = Verein Naturschutzpark Lüneburger Heide. The abbreviation includes both the association and the foundation Naturschutzpark Lüneburger Heide.

Discover more frequently asked questions

Learn more about the VNP

Learn more about the nature reserve

Donate & Help

The Verein Naturschutzpark e.V. was founded on the initiative of a group of dedicated people. Even after more than 100 years of tradition, the fate of the conservation and protection of the heath is based on the members of the association and numerous supporters and sponsors. Please help us!

Become a member

Members of the Verein Naturschutzpark e.V. enjoy many benefits. With their membership fees and donations the help to preserve this unique landscape.

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Donations

Help to safeguard and develop our cultural landscape and natural areas for future generations!

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