Studies show that spending time in nature is good for your body and mind. Forests in particular are valuable places for relaxation for many people. One of the last, almost untouched and therefore particularly impressive forest areas is the Neuchâtel Primeval Forest, to which we would like to take you on today's hike.
The Neuchâtel jungle offers its visitors shelter from the stress of everyday life
Visitor Information
| kind | information |
|---|---|
| Address: | Urwaldstraße 55, 26340 Zetel-Neuenburg |
| Opening hours: | accessible all year round |
| Entrance fee: | free of charge |
To protect the flora and fauna, please stay on the designated paths and keep your dog on a leash. Note that some paths of this natural forest may only be entered at your own risk.
position
The nature reserve is located in the middle of the Frisian Wehde (= forest) and is bordered by the towns of Neuenburg, Zetel and Bockhorn. The Neuenburger Jungle is the heart of the 660-hectare "Neuenburger Holz" nature reserve.
description
This largest historical forest area in Friesland is a so-called Hudewald, which once served as forest pasture for cattle. It impresses with the very old stock of trees with dead wood, which has long since rotted away.
This allowed twisted thickets and bizarre wood formations to develop. This natural forest therefore presents the visitor with a constantly new image and at the same time represents a unique environment for plants and animals.
The dominant trees and shrubs in this forest are:
- pedunculate oak,
- European beech,
- hornbeam,
- holly.
Countless animal species, some of which are endangered, have found a protected habitat here. These include cave-breeding bird species, a wide variety of insects, amphibians and bats.
Discover the Neuchâtel jungle
The entire natural forest is criss-crossed by a dense network of paths. These are laid out in the form of a junction system, which enables you to plan your very own route on your first visit. Numerous panels provide valuable information about the history of the origins, fauna and flora of this unique forest area.
As you make your way through the natural forest, you will occasionally have to take evasive action as fallen trees block the path. In the Neuchâtel jungle, nature has priority and man must submit to it. You can rest not far from the entrance in the hunting lodge or in one of the small shelters.
tips
Until 2014, there was an 850-year-old oak tree opposite the hunting lodge, which was considered the oldest tree in the forest. Since the giant tree was not cleared away, you can now watch the decay, which can take up to 50 years.