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Description
Most of the eastern shoreline of the lake Steinhuder Meer consists of a huge peatland complex which is mostly drained and is still destroyed by peat extraction. The area next to the lake is under protection and some parts are even restored and rewetted. Although the ecosystem is heavily disturbed by human influences, it is still a beautiful and species rich area.
There is a pretty 3,5 km long path through the peatland area. The best time for birdwatching in this area is spring and summer. Birds like stehlík hnedkavý, lelek lesný and ďateľ malý breed in the beach and pine forests near the path. In the open areas covered with heath and moss you have the chance to see škovránik stromový or strakoš obyčajný.
The lake itself is great place to look for terns, waders, ducks and gulls. Depending on the water level of the lake there are mudflats near the reedbelt which are a great place to look for waders like pobrežník čiernozobý or ducks like kačica chrapka. Even some rarities like lyskonoh úzkozobý have already been observed near the mudflats. Especially in migration season the lake is great place for terns and gulls under which, with a bit of luck, you can find rarities like čegrava veľkozobá or čorík bahenný. Birds of prey like kršiak rybár and orliak morský are visiting the shoreline to forage.
In winter the eastern shoreline is a good place to look for ducks and geese. Since a reintroduction program at the Steinhuder Meer, the chochlačka bielooká is a rare but regular guest on the east side of the lake. There are two observation towers from which you have a good view of the lake. The southern one of the two is often the better place for observation. From there you have a good view on the mudflats and the reedbed where in spring you can hear different reed breeding birds like svrčiak slávikovitý, strnádka trstinová and trsteniarik bahenný.
Details
Access
Most of the area is not accessible by car, so it’s necessary to go on foot or even better, to take the bike. The whole area of the Steinhuder Meer is actually a great place to do a bike trip. The tour around the lake is about 30 km. On the way you pass many other great observation areas, like the Meerbruchwiesen at the western shoreline of the lake (also described on Birdingplaces).
The nearest train station is Neustadt am Rügenberge, about 6,5 km away. If you want to take the bus, there is a bus station near the northern observation tower. Bear in mind that the bus only runs every one to two hours.
Unfortunately, the observation towers are not barrier-free.