Exquisite nature: the lead caves near Blankenrode
- 0:15 h
- 459 m
- 6 m
- 6 m
- 400 m
- 406 m
- 6 m
- Start: Parking lot at the Bleikuhlen
- Destination: Parking lot at the Bleikuhlen
For many centuries, lead ore was mined in Blankenrode and, in a final mining period,
zinc ore, known as galmei. An impressive 500-metre-long pit and extensive spoil heaps have survived to this day as evidence of the former mining industry.
While dwarves belong in the realm of fairy tales, the vegetation in the spoil tip and pit is indeed dwarf-like. There are hardly any woody plants and the herb layer is low and patchy. The reason for this is the high heavy metal content of the soil in the area of the pit. Lead and zinc are essential trace elements for the plants, but in higher concentrations they are toxic. Special adaptations are necessary to colonize this hostile habitat. As the defense mechanisms
are complex and energy-consuming, these plants only have a dwarf-like growth and do not form a closed vegetation cover. Naturally, these specialists only occur locally in the area of superficial ore veins. Today, they are mainly found on the spoil heaps of former mines.
The Westphalian galmei violet can only be found in Westphalia, and only in the area of the lead pits near Blankenrode. Here it has found a low-competition habitat where other species cannot survive due to the heavy metal content in the soil.
The "Bleikuhlen" are part of the "Exquisite Nature". There are a total of 18 such adventure areas in the Kulturland district of Höxter. They are all components of the "Natura 2000" protected area system and are therefore part of our European natural heritage!
Good to know
Pavements
- Unknown (7%)Gravel (92%)Trail (2%)
Best to visit
- suitableDepends on weather
Directions
- Right from the parking lot, the unmistakable path leads past an information board into the area. We cross the heavy metal lawn once along its entire length and descend the newly created steps at the southern end. At the bottom, the trail continues to the left on the forest path and after another left turn, we return to the starting point.
Tour information
Loop Road
Nature Highlight
Equipment
- Camera
Directions & Parking facilities
- Getting there
A 44, exit 63, B7 towards Scherfede - turn left onto B 252 towards Lichtenau -
take the next exit left onto B 68 - turn left onto Hardehauser Str. towards Blankenrode - in the village turn left onto K69 towards Meerhof - turn left towards Bleikuhlen (approx. 1 km)ParkingParking lot at the Bleikuhle Blankenrode Additional information
The circular trail at the Bleikuhlen is part of the "Exquisite Nature". There are a total of 18 such adventure areas in the Kulturland district of Höxter, all of which are located in and around FFH areas. They are all components of the "Natura 2000" protected area system and are therefore part of our European natural heritage!
License (master data)
Stefan Krooß
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
The Bleikuhlen are located directly on the Hermannshöhen. On the stage from Blankenrode to Obermarsberg, you will pass this special adventure area. The unique Westphalian galmei violet blooms there from May to October.
The Hammerhof forest information center with its adjoining bison enclosure in Hardehausen is well worth a detour.Safety guidelines
Please do not leave the path over the heavy metal lawn, the flora is very sensitive to trampling!
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