Attractions and Places To See in Eickhofer Heide - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see in Eickhofer Heide include a variety of historical sites, natural reserves, and viewpoints. This region offers opportunities for exploration, with more than 10 distinct locations to discover. Visitors can find diverse landscapes, from unique forests to elevated observation points, making it suitable for those interested in nature and history.
Best attractions and places to see in Eickhofer Heide
- The most popular attractions is Deblinghausen-Hesterberg War Cemetery, a historical site that serves as a…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Deblinghausen-Hesterberg War Cemetery
Highlight • Historical Site
In 1939 an ammunition factory was built in a wooded area north of Steyerberg. In the course of the war, more and more “foreign workers” …
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Eickhof Castle
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Eichenkratt Nature Reserve
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Januarsberg Observation Tower – Horst-Lausch Square
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Horst-Lausch-Platz on Januarsberg
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Observation platform
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The Januarsberg rises like a small island in the middle of the heathland. After a short but steep climb, the view opens up to a wooden observation tower, which fits perfectly into the surroundings with its simple, rustic design.
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Beautiful trails for the descent.
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something mystical and beautiful to look at
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The “Eichenkratt” nature reserve includes a unique population of trees. The name of the area is derived from the North German word “Kratt”, which means oak thickets, and is explained by the impression that the trees seem to be missing the trunk, so that the oaks only consist of the treetop.
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One can argue about whether Eickhof Castle is really a castle or rather a property. It is definitely an impressive building with an interesting history. And it is one of the few “castle-like” buildings in the district that have stood the test of time. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages: the first known owners of the lands were the Bishops of Minden and the Counts of Hoya. The von Hasberg family, a knight dynasty from Hasbergen near Delmenhorst, belonged to the feudal people of the counts (the "Hasbergsche Hof" in Nienburg also belonged to them). Probably in the 14th century the manor came to the von Hasberg family and remained in their possession until the family died out in 1828. The next owner was a lieutenant colonel von derdecke; his son sold the estate to Marbod von Kalm from Braunschweig (1858), who gradually converted the estate, which had been an agricultural estate up until then, into a modern forestry operation at the time. The old manor house was demolished; From 1870 today's "castle" was built in a contemporary style. After the death of Marbod von Kalms and a subsequent change of ownership in 1895, "Montan GmbH", a kind of economic "straw man" of the Wehrmacht, bought the castle and land and built the powder factory in the area. After the war, the British armed forces used the stately building as an officers' mess. In private ownership again since 1986, the castle has been a Zen monastery since 2006. Source and further information: https://www.liebenau.com/downloads/atei/OTAwMDAwMDk2Oy07L3Vzci9sb2NhbC9odHRwZC92aHRkb2NzL2Ntcy9saWViZW5hdS9tZWRpZW4vZG9rdW3lbnRlL2Zlhdc3RZ
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War grave memorial in an idyllic location in the forest
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for information from the net: In 1939 an ammunition factory was built in a wooded area north of Steyerberg. In the course of the war, more and more “foreign workers” and prisoners of war were deployed there. Permanent accommodation is available for German workers, while Soviet and other Eastern European workers are housed in a barrack camp with over 5500 places. For many people, the camps near Steyerberg became the last station of their lives. In cooperation with the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, the victims were reburied in 1954, the present-day Deblinghausen-Hesterberg war cemetery was established. Around 2,400 dead lay at the facility, which was inaugurated in 1962. The identity of many can no longer be determined. In addition to the many victims from the Second World War, more than 50 Russian prisoners of war from the First World War rest in the rear part of the facility. Source: https://kriegsgraeberstaetten.volksbund.de
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Eickhofer Heide?
Eickhofer Heide offers significant historical sites. You can visit the Deblinghausen-Hesterberg War Cemetery, a war grave memorial established in 1954 for around 2,400 individuals. Another notable site is Eickhof Castle, an impressive building with origins dating back to the Middle Ages, which now houses a Zen monastery.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in Eickhofer Heide?
Yes, the region features excellent viewpoints. The Januarsberg Observation Tower – Horst-Lausch Square is located on the highest elevation in Eickhofer Heide at 85 meters. It offers a tower and benches for resting, providing a partial distant view. Nearby, the Horst-Lausch-Platz on Januarsberg also provides a nice rest area with an observation tower and views over a beautiful heathland.
What natural attractions are there to explore?
Nature lovers will appreciate the Eichenkratt Nature Reserve. This unique forest is known for its distinctive oak trees, where the name 'Kratt' refers to oak thickets, giving the impression that the trees consist primarily of their canopies. It's a protected area showcasing a rare tree population.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Eickhofer Heide?
Several attractions in Eickhofer Heide are suitable for families. The Deblinghausen-Hesterberg War Cemetery offers a peaceful, educational experience in a forest setting. The Eichenkratt Nature Reserve is great for exploring unique natural landscapes. Additionally, the Januarsberg Observation Tower – Horst-Lausch Square and Horst-Lausch-Platz on Januarsberg are accessible spots for a family outing with views.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Eickhofer Heide is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. For detailed information and route suggestions, explore the guides for Easy hikes in Eickhofer Heide, Cycling in Eickhofer Heide, and Running Trails in Eickhofer Heide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Eickhofer Heide?
Yes, Eickhofer Heide offers several easy hiking trails. You can find routes like the 'Meyersiek Watermill – Hubertusweg loop from Steyerberg' (6.4 km) or the 'Hiking loop from Liebenau' (3.9 km). For more options, check out the Easy hikes in Eickhofer Heide guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Eickhofer Heide?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The peaceful, idyllic setting of the Deblinghausen-Hesterberg War Cemetery, the unique oak trees in the Eichenkratt Nature Reserve, and the tranquil rest areas with views from the Januarsberg observation points are frequently highlighted.
Can I find circular routes for walking in Eickhofer Heide?
Yes, there are several circular routes available for walking. For instance, you can explore the 'Januarsberg Observation Tower – Horst-Lausch-Platz Shelter loop from Eichenkratt' which is an easy 7.6 km trail. Many other circular options are detailed in the Easy hikes in Eickhofer Heide guide.
What is the significance of Eickhof Castle?
Eickhof Castle is an impressive building with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally an agricultural estate, it was converted into a modern forestry operation in the 19th century, with the current 'castle' built around 1870. After serving various purposes, including an officers' mess after WWII, it has been a Zen monastery since 2006.
Is there a specific time of year that is best to visit Eickhofer Heide?
While Eickhofer Heide can be enjoyed year-round, spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for exploring the natural reserves and trails. The unique oak trees of the Eichenkratt Nature Reserve are beautiful when in full foliage or displaying autumn colors, and the weather is generally mild for outdoor activities.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting in Eickhofer Heide?
The natural areas, especially the Eichenkratt Nature Reserve and the surrounding forests, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local bird species and other forest inhabitants while exploring the trails.
What is the 'Kratt' in Eichenkratt Nature Reserve?
The term 'Kratt' in Eichenkratt Nature Reserve is a North German word meaning 'oak thickets' or 'scrub'. It describes the unique appearance of the oak trees in this reserve, which seem to lack a prominent trunk and consist primarily of their canopies, creating a distinctive forest landscape.
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