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Hiddeser Bent: A Living Moorland Relic

Discover Hiddeser Bent: Explore the last living hillside moor in the Teutoburg Forest, a haven of rare flora and tranquil landscapes near Detmold.

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Hiddeser Bent, nestled near Detmold, is a captivating natural preserve and the last surviving hillside moor in the Teutoburg Forest. This unique landscape, shaped over millennia, offers visitors a chance to explore rare moorland ecosystems. Boardwalks meander through the delicate environment, allowing for close encounters with specialized flora like peat mosses and insect-eating sundews. An observation platform provides panoramic views of the moor, revealing the subtle beauty of this fragile habitat. Once a site of extensive peat extraction, Hiddeser Bent now stands as a testament to conservation, inviting exploration and appreciation of its unique ecological significance. The area is easily accessible and offers a tranquil escape into nature.

A brief summary to Hiddeser Bent

  • Detmold, 32756, DE
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
  • Visit the observation platform for panoramic views of the moor and surrounding landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a hike to the nearby Donoper Teich or along the Pivitker Wasserweg for a longer exploration.
  • Bring binoculars to observe the diverse birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit the moor.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly, as the moor can be exposed and windy.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Detmold, take bus line 703 or 704 towards Hiddesen. Get off at the 'Hiddeser Straße' stop. From there, follow the signs towards Donoper Teich (approximately a 20-minute walk). The Hiddeser Bent is located near Donoper Teich. A single bus fare costs approximately €3-4.

  • Driving

    From Detmold, follow the L944 towards Hiddesen. Look for signs for Donoper Teich. There is a parking lot available at Donoper Teich (Stoddartstraße, 32760 Detmold). From the parking lot, it's a short walk to Hiddeser Bent. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Hiddesen, follow the local signs towards Donoper Teich. The Hiddeser Bent is located adjacent to Donoper Teich and is easily accessible via well-marked trails. The walk from the center of Hiddesen takes approximately 30 minutes.

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Discover more about Hiddeser Bent

Hiddeser Bent, located west of Detmold's Hiddesen district in the heart of the Teutoburg Forest, is a remarkable natural area distinguished as the last living hillside moor in the region. The term "Bent" itself signifies a peaty moor, perfectly encapsulating the essence of this unique environment. This protected area offers a fascinating glimpse into a landscape shaped by thousands of years of natural processes and human interaction. The history of Hiddeser Bent is deeply intertwined with peat extraction, a practice that began in the 16th century and continued for several decades. Peat, a valuable fuel source, was harvested extensively, leading to significant alterations in the moor's landscape. Records from 1824 indicate that a staggering 17,000 cubic meters of peat were extracted in that year alone. This over-exploitation resulted in the shrinkage of the peat layer and the overall area of the original moorland. From a significantly larger expanse of 89 hectares in the mid-18th century, only about 2.6 hectares of open moorland remain today. The legacy of peat extraction is still visible in the landscape, with horizontal terraces etched into the hillsides, a testament to the manual labor involved in the process. When peat extraction became unprofitable, large sections of the area were reforested with pine and spruce trees, further transforming the landscape. Despite these changes, Hiddeser Bent retains its ecological significance, harboring a diverse array of specialized and endangered plant and animal species. Designated as a protected area as early as 1925, Hiddeser Bent, together with the Donoper Teich, became one of the first nature reserves in the Lippe district in 1950. The Donoper Teich–Hiddeser Bent nature reserve spans 119 hectares, with 108 hectares recognized as a Fauna-Flora-Habitat area of European importance. This designation underscores the area's critical role in preserving biodiversity. The unique environmental conditions of Hiddeser Bent support a variety of highly specialized plants and animals. Various dragonfly species, including the small moor dragonfly, thrive in the moor's wetlands, alongside the black moor ant and a wealth of moor-typical plants such as cottongrass with its distinctive white tufts. The heather, an evergreen dwarf shrub with needle-shaped leaves, also flourishes here, along with purple moor grass and sundew, a carnivorous plant adapted to nutrient-poor environments. Notably, 14 different species of peat moss have been identified in the area, highlighting the moor's exceptional biodiversity. Visitors to Hiddeser Bent can explore this unique landscape via a network of boardwalks that protect the fragile environment while providing access to its wonders. An observation platform on the northern edge of the Bent, established by the Lippe Biological Station and the Nature Park, offers panoramic views across the moor, allowing visitors to appreciate the subtle beauty of this unique habitat. Informational panels provide insights into the moor's ecology and history, enhancing the visitor experience. The Hiddeser Bent is also integrated into a network of hiking trails, including the Pivitker Wasserweg and the Climate Experience Route, offering opportunities for longer explorations of the surrounding area. These trails connect Hiddeser Bent to other natural attractions such as the Donoper Teich, Hasselbachstausee, and Blauer See, creating a diverse and rewarding hiking experience. The Hiddeser Bent is more than just a nature reserve; it is a living testament to the interplay between natural processes and human activity. Its history, ecology, and scenic beauty make it a compelling destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in exploring the unique landscapes of the Teutoburg Forest. A visit to Hiddeser Bent offers a chance to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and appreciate the fragile beauty of a vanishing moorland ecosystem. While exploring Hiddeser Bent, consider extending your visit to include other nearby attractions. The Hermannsdenkmal, a towering monument commemorating the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, is located just a few kilometers away. The Detmold Open-Air Museum, one of Germany's largest open-air museums, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rural past. Together, these attractions provide a rich and diverse experience of the Detmold area. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, Hiddeser Bent offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its tranquil atmosphere, diverse ecology, and historical significance make it a must-see destination in the Teutoburg Forest. Take the time to explore this hidden gem and discover the beauty and wonder of a living moorland relic.

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