The best running trails around Nienstädt

The fire pond on the Mühlenbach stream lies idyllically in the Bückeberg hills and is a tranquil, natural spot amidst the wooded hills. Fed by the Mühlenbach, the pond blends harmoniously into its surroundings and is now an integral part of the landscape of this region. Surrounded by trees and gentle hills, it invites hikers and walkers to take a short break and offers a peaceful place to enjoy nature. The pond owes its name to its original function as a water reservoir for firefighting. In times before centralized water supplies, such fire ponds were of great importance, especially in heavily forested areas. They provided readily available water for firefighting in emergencies, thus contributing to the protection of the surrounding villages and forests. Today, the fire pond is primarily of ecological and scenic significance. It provides habitat for amphibians, insects, and waterfowl and contributes to the diversity of flora and fauna in the Bückeberg hills. At the same time, it is a quiet meeting point in the region's network of hiking trails and uniquely combines nature, history and recreation in one of the most beautiful forest landscapes of the Schaumburg region.

The Brandshof shelter is idyllically situated near Wendthagen-Ehlen in the Bückeberg hills and is a popular rest stop and meeting place for hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. Nestled in the wooded, hilly landscape of the Bückeberg, it offers a tranquil spot to linger and relax amidst nature. The shelter is located on several well-maintained hiking trails and is often used as a starting or ending point for tours through the surrounding mixed forests. From here, numerous scenic features of the region can be discovered, including springs, old quarries, and viewpoints overlooking the Schaumburg region. Besides providing shelter from the elements, the Brandshof shelter is also a meeting place: the local tourism association and hiking groups regularly use it for joint events and social gatherings. Thus, the Brandshof shelter uniquely combines experiencing nature, relaxation, and community, and is an integral part of the leisure and hiking opportunities in the Bückeberg.

The "Alter Steinbruch Liekwegen" nature reserve encompasses a 22-hectare former sandstone quarry on the northern slope of the Bückeberge hills, owned by the district of Schaumburg. A nature trail has been established within the reserve. Visitors can learn about the importance of the quarry habitat and its biodiversity at two circular routes (1.7 km and 2.3 km long) and five information stations.

Cologne Cathedral also bears a trace of the Bückeberg, because when it was finally completed in 1850, Bückeberg sandstone, considered to be of very high quality, was chosen for its construction. This required the construction of housing for the miners. Up to 250 people lived here on the Bückeberg. When mining was relocated further east in the 1970s, the housing and factory buildings became redundant and stood empty. Today, the buildings house a youth and leisure center.

In 2010, the "Liekwegen Quarry" was designated as a nature reserve by the Schaumburg district. Since then, volunteers from the NABU Schaumburg district association and the NABU Nienstädt group have been responsible for the care and maintenance of the area. Bruno Scheel, a member of the district association, was in charge of the development of the site and the species protection measures for the yellow-bellied toad, and ensured that the population of the native toad was stabilized and secured. The care measures include, for example, clearing the pastures, as trees are constantly growing, and digging out and creating new ponds for yellow-bellied toads, natterjack toads, etc. In a fenced-in area, grazing takes place with Sorraia horses, an old wild horse breed that ensures that the areas remain short and lean. A nature trail has been set up that allows visitors to go on an exploration tour on their own. Excursions take place regularly on the site. Source: https://www.nabu-shg.de/unsere-projekte/steinbruch-liekwegen/

The JBF Center is situated approximately 10 km above Obernkirchen in a beautiful, secluded location. The surrounding forests of the Bückeberg hills and the nearby dinosaur footprints in the Obernkirchen sandstone quarries offer numerous opportunities for excursions and hikes. With 170 beds in various categories, a self-catering area, and a campsite, the center offers a wide range of accommodation and dining options. In addition, there are four group rooms, five seminar rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace. The grounds, including a sports field, expansive lawns, and a fire pit, provide ample opportunities for sports and leisure activities. Source: https://www.gruppenunterkuenfte.de/Jugendbildungsstaette-und-Freizeit-Centrum-Bueckeberg__t570.html

40 years of the Brandshof refuge: 1996 was almost the end. In its 40 years, the Brandshof refuge in Wendthagen has experienced numerous storms and celebrations - and was almost demolished in 1996. At that time, the nearby quarry was to be expanded - but the people of Wendthagen were able to save their hut. Source: https://www.sn-online.de/lokales/schaumburg/stadthagen/40-jahre-schutzhuette-brandshof-1996-waere-fast-schluss-gewesen-4H57KPAEAYEGTQRYGDNSVDRFPI.html

Easily overlooked, there is only a small sign