Schillerwiese - Plesse Castle Ruins

Panoramic hike near Göttingen, Lower Saxony. This is a relatively long hike from Schillerwiese to the two highest viewpoints, Mackenröder Spitze and Hünstollen, and from there to the old castle ruins of Plesse. The route begins in Schillerwiese, one of Göttingen's beautiful parks, and leads next to the small Reinsgraben to its source, the Reinsbrunnen. From Kehr, the route leads across the large former army training area Kerstlingeröder Feld back into the forest. The Kerstlingeröder Feld is one of two nature reserves in the area and is home to many rare flowers, birds, and insects (especially butterflies). The wryneck, a rare bird, is at home here. From there, there are two or three alternative routes to the Mackenröder Spitze viewing tower, one of which follows the European Long Distance Trail from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. The next highlight of the hike is the Hünstollen and its viewing tower. The Hünstollen is an ancient place that was already inhabited in the Iron Age. There are cliffs on three sides, and the only road leading to it was protected by three earth barriers (and probably wooden palisades that have long since disappeared). The view from there is fantastic. From Hünstollen, the route continues to Plesse Castle, a ruined castle with two intact towers and excellent restaurants. You can stop for a bite to eat here. Highlights of the hike: - Kerstlingeröder Field Nature Reserve - Mackenröder Spitze with viewing tower - Hünstollen - Plesse, castle ruins