Around the tranquil waters of NSG Lanstroper See a unique history unfolds. This Dortmund gem isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a testament to nature’s resilience. A story etched in water and land.
NSG Lanstroper See is more than a pretty lake. This nature reserve in Dortmund’s Scharnhorst district holds a fascinating history. Formed around 1963 a mining subsidence caused the groundwater level to rise. This created the lake we see today. It’s a reminder of Dortmund’s industrial past. A past that inadvertently shaped this beautiful landscape.
The almost eight-hectare lake is surprisingly deep. Reaching nearly five meters at its deepest point. It’s surrounded by reeds and rushes. Blossoming with plants like bulrushes. These plants create a haven for wildlife. Including the rare ringed snake. The only population in all of Dortmund resides here.
North of the lake lies a woodland strip. This is home to the endangered little water frog. Other amphibians like grass frogs and common toads also thrive here. The western edge of the lake boasts the Hienbergwald forest. This deciduous forest is a mix of beech oak hornbeam and poplar trees. It shares the space with a new Dortmund landfill. Despite this proximity the forest provides a habitat for diverse birdlife.
Birds such as the lesser spotted woodpecker. The golden oriole. The goshawk find refuge among the trees. On the water itself you might spot great crested grebes. Cormorants. Grey herons. These birds feed on the fish living in the lake. Species include carp perch eel pike and minnow.
The NSG Lanstroper See isn’t just a place of natural beauty. It’s a testament to the power of nature to reclaim and reshape. A place of ecological significance. A carefully managed reserve dedicated to the protection of biodiversity. A place where human activity inadvertently crafted a haven for nature. A reminder that even in the heart of an industrial city. Nature finds a way to thrive. A peaceful escape right here in Dortmund.
You can explore part of the lake’s western side on a nature trail. Information panels share details of the reserve and its rich birdlife. This is more than just a lake. It’s a vital ecological treasure. A testament to Dortmund’s commitment to conservation. A place to appreciate the beauty of nature’s resilience. NSG Lanstroper See is a must-see for anyone visiting Dortmund.