“Gonsenheimer Wald” whispers the locals. But officially, we stand at the edge of the Lennebergwald. This forest is a beloved escape for Mainz residents. Can you imagine that around one million visitors come here every year?
The Lennebergwald isn’t like most German forests. We are standing on a former dune area. Feel the ground beneath your feet. It is mostly sand. The sand doesn’t hold much water or nutrients. The mild, dry climate of the Upper Rhine Valley contributes to a unique environment. This environment fosters steppe vegetation. Rare and endangered plants and animals thrive here.
Look around you. The Lennebergwald features mainly pine and oak trees. This whole area is under protection. Those interested can explore the forest’s ecosystem with an expert guide. Young people can even volunteer. A voluntary ecological year or Federal Volunteer Service is possible here in the Lennebergwald.
Nearby is the Mainzer Sand. It is another nature reserve. It spans about 33 hectares. The Mainzer Sand is considered one of Europe’s most valuable nature reserves. Nature lovers will find much to enjoy here. An adventure trail invites you to discover the local flora and fauna.
Getting here is easy. You can take the bus. The “Am Gonsenheimer Wald” stop is served by line 47. The “Wildpark” stop is served by lines 57 or 62. To reach the Forsthaus, Grillhütte and “Grünes Haus”, take line 64 or 620 to the “Budenheim Reitschule” stop. From there, it is a 5-minute walk south. Follow the signs. Line 64 also stops at “Schloss Waldthausen”. From there, walk 15 minutes west. Pass the castle to reach the Forsthaus and Grünes Haus.
The 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle in Gonsenheim is another option. Take lines 50, 51 or 64 to the “Kapellenstraße” stop. Then walk 10 minutes to the end of Kapellenstraße. Alternatively, take line 64 to the “Lennebergplatz” terminus. From there, turn right before the forest onto 14 Nothelfer-Straße. Follow it to the chapel.
If you are driving from the A 60, take the Heidesheim / Budenheim exit. Turn right towards Budenheim. After 3 km, turn right again. You will see the “Forsthaus und Grünes Haus” parking lot. It is signposted.
Coming from Mainz, drive through Gonsenheim towards Budenheim. Pass Schloss Waldthausen on the right. At the next intersection, turn left towards Heidesheim. After 50 m, turn left into the “Forsthaus und Grünes Haus” parking lot. Again, look for signs.
The Lennebergwald faces challenges due to climate change. Many pine trees have died because of drought. Even beech, maple and oak trees on better soils are suffering. Forester Steffan Dorschel noted a massive die-off of native trees in 2020. He believes the lack of rain from 2018 to 2020 is the cause. Falling dead branches pose a risk to visitors. The Rheinhessen Forestry Office has closed affected paths.
Forester Stefan Dorschel is implementing new strategies. He aims to create diversity in the Lennebergwald. This involves planting drought-resistant trees. These include oaks with deep roots. Typical trees of the Rheinhessen region such as service trees and rowan trees are planted. Native trees like sweet chestnuts and winter lindens are used too. Only seedlings of the resistant local “Mainzer Sand-Kiefer” pine are replanted. Some experimentation with Mediterranean trees occurs. But the focus remains on native species. Large areas of the Lennebergwald are left to develop naturally. Botanical rarities and orchids can be seen there.
Dorschel also sees threats from the planned expansion of the A 643. A large commercial riding facility in Uhlerborn also poses a threat. He hopes to connect the Lennebergwald with the Ober-Olmer Wald. This would be done through stepping stone biotopes.
The Lennebergwald is more than just a forest. It is a dynamic ecosystem. It faces challenges. But dedicated people are working to preserve it. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this special place.