Whispers of the past echo here. This is the Kustenlandschaft between Priwall and Barendorf with the Harkenbaekniederung. Imagine this breathtaking coastal landscape a protected area since 1938. Initially only the Deipsee was protected. The area grew over the years. It expanded in 1990 1992 and 2000.
The Kustenlandschaft is a diverse landscape. It boasts 580 hectares of stunning natural beauty. It includes coastal lowlands dunes and beach ridges. A dramatic cliff coast also forms part of this protected area. The Harkenbaek an untouched creek cuts through the landscape. There are also fascinating wetlands and small lakes.
The Kustenlandschaft’s history is rich and complex. The Pötenitzer Strandwiesen meadows originated from post-glacial beach ridges. These ridges separated the Pötenitz area from the open Baltic Sea. The morainic cliffs date back to glacial till deposits during the Ice Age. The Harkenbaekniederung itself was formed during the Ice Age. It is a valley that formed under a glacier. After the ice melted the valley became waterlogged and turned into a bog.
For centuries the Pötenitzer Strandwiesen and Harkenbaekniederung were used for grazing. Rare species like the marsh helleborine and gentians thrived here. However extensive drainage and the construction of a pumping station harmed the area. The land sank. Parts of it now lie below sea level. There is evidence of arable farming too.
From 1961 to 1990 the area was divided by the inner German border. An East German border patrol road ran through it. This road is now a cycle and hiking path. Today the Kustenlandschaft is a haven of biodiversity. It shelters various plants and animals. Salt-tolerant plants grow near the coast. These include sea sandwort sea couch grass sea rocket and more. The western part of the reserve features wet meadows and alder carr.
Birds like the common linnet and reed warbler breed in the Kustenlandschaft. The sand lizard inhabits the open dune areas. Notable butterfly species include the sea-shore dart and the silver Y. The Kustenlandschaft between Priwall and Barendorf with the Harkenbaekniederung. It remains a testament to nature’s resilience and beauty. It is a special place. A place where history nature and conservation meet. It is a must-see on your trip.