Imagine a time long ago. Around 15.000 years ago, the last ice age shaped this very landscape. We are standing at Stellmoorer Tunneltal. It is a unique valley with a rich history. The Stellmoorer Tunneltal is more than just a pretty place.
This area owes its existence to the Weichsel Ice Age. Nordic ice masses pushed south from Scandinavia. A glacier tongue reached the Rahlstedt center. The glacier’s advance created new landforms. Parts of the earth were transformed into base moraines. The subsoil piled up forming end moraines. Meltwater created channels. The Stellmoorer Tunneltal became a tunnel valley. Meltwater flowed under the ice. The pressure cut deeply into the ground. This created an irregular valley system. It differs from normal river valleys.
The water flowed into the Elbe Valley and the North Sea. Oser ridges and drumlin hills are visible proofs. Sölle ice kettle holes also dot the landscape. Oser ridges are narrow sand and gravel ridges. They were deposited in meltwater channels. Drumlins are oval hills. They consist of base moraine material. Sölle are small funnels in the ground. They are filled with water or peat.
The Stellmoorer Tunneltal is a protected area. The Hamburg part covers 200 hectares. The Schleswig-Holstein part covers 339 hectares. The Tunneltal is a natural unit. It connects to the Hőltigbaum nature reserve. Its unique geology and archaeology make it valuable.
Archaeological finds prove early settlement. Reindeer hunters lived here. Their discoveries caused a Europe-wide sensation.
The Stellmoorer Tunneltal has diverse terrain. Heath ridges with forests exist here. You will also find swamps and reed beds. Meadows, ponds, and streams dot the landscape. Cultivated areas are also part of the scenery.
The Stellmoorer Tunneltal supports rare species. Amphibians like the crested newt and moor frog thrive here. The area is a protected Flora-Fauna-Habitat area.
The Tunneltal’s stream flows include the Wandse. The Stellmoorer Quellfluss and Hopfenbach also flow here.
Once, cranes attempted to breed here. They first succeeded in 2006.
The Stellmoorer Tunneltal is narrow. Settlements and traffic routes border it. The Hagenweg road provides access. A railway line and power line cross the area. Despite these disturbances the Stellmoorer Tunneltal remains precious.
Extensive restoration occurred in the Wandse valley. Today, both river valleys are wet and swampy again. The Wandse has a natural retention basin. Dense reeds and rich aquatic life thrive here. The moor frog and rare dragonflies live here too.
Today, you can explore the Stellmoorer Tunneltal. Wander along designated paths. Learn about its geology and history. Discover the unique flora and fauna. The Stellmoorer Tunneltal is a testament to nature’s power. It is also a reminder of our past. Let us protect this unique landscape. We must preserve it for future generations.