Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee

From 1952 to 1990 the area encompassing the Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee was part of the restricted zone along the inner German border. This isolation inadvertently became a sanctuary for nature. The Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee, a testament to this period of unintentional conservation, was established in the year 2000. It encompasses a young moraine landscape sculpted by the Weichsel glaciation. The reserve is not just about the lake. The surrounding landscape, characterized by the Baltic Uplands, is dotted with fascinating features like the Trave River that cuts through it. Within the Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee lies its heart- the Schaalsee. This lake, with its complex shoreline and varying depths, is an ecological marvel. Adding to its allure are several islands nestled within it such as Kampenwerder, Stintenburginsel, and Rethwiese. An interesting fact about the Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee is the presence of greater rheas. These large flightless birds, native to South America, have established a significant population within the reserve after escaping from captivity. This unexpected addition to the local ecosystem highlights the dynamic nature of the Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee, a place where the unexpected is always possible.