Drachenberg and Menzelberg from Goettingen

Popular circular route in Göttingen city forest, Lower Saxony. This is a beautiful trail through the green countryside surrounding Göttingen, taking in the villages of Herberhausen, Roringen and Nikolausberg. The hike mainly runs along the edges of the forest, with the exception of the detour to the Kehr due to the better roads and paths. The Bratental valley is full of birds that are not often seen in other areas of Göttingen. It is also home to rare orchids and other plants that can only be seen here (two species can only be found in this area, nowhere else in Germany). From the Braten valley, the trail leads behind the mountain village of Nikolausberg along a stream that looks almost like a small Grand Canyon with its rock formations, pools and fountains and later flows into the Lutter. After crossing the B27, the route turns left again into the forest and climbs onto a small path. This leads along a meadow orchard and the famous Bismarckstein, also known as the Bismarck monument or "Elefantenklo". From here, the route returns to the car park. Attention! The use of an offline map is recommended due to poor signposting of the route. Highlights of the hike: - Rare animals and plants in the Braten Valley - beautiful views - Bismarckstein