Natural monuments around Haale offer diverse natural features for exploration. The region is characterized by its river landscapes, such as the Haaler Au, and unique geological formations like inland dunes. Visitors can discover a variety of protected natural sites, from historical springs to nature reserves. The area provides opportunities to experience the local ecology and geological history.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Here, you have to bypass a pasture. The grass is extremely high, and the path itself is barely visible. This requires a good feel for the road, leg strength, and a good dose of intuition.
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This is the former home of the shell souvenir manufacturer D. Hauschild. In 1901, he had his house modernized and in the process decorated the windows, doors and corners of the house with shells that he bought in the Hamburg harbor and made into souvenirs. In front of his house there is a shell stone that he bought. He had it transported to his house from a bent wall near the Vaasbüttel brickworks. https://www.hohenwestedt.de/die-gemeinde/sehenswertes
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The Haaler Au drains part of the Aukrug Nature Park. It was originally a left tributary of the Eider. With the construction of the Kiel Canal, it was separated there and has flowed into the canal ever since. Shortly before it flows into the canal, it forms a small lake. This can be seen here.
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The inscription on the memorial stone reads: Expansion of Haaler Au 1932 - 1986 in honor of Dipl. Ing. Hinerk Bayer, ORR Andreas Paulsen, ORR Jens Muthorst.
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In 1901, the shell souvenir maker Detlev Hauschildt had the house modernized in the style of the time and the windows, doors and corners decorated with shells that he bought in the port of Hamburg and processed into souvenirs. This is why the house is popularly known as the "shell house". Hans-Günter Kiene later moved in here with his tax office. As early as January 1892, Detlev Hauschildt had the so-called shell stone, which originally stood on a small elevation in a bent wall near the Vaasbüttel brickworks, set up in front of his "shell house". He bought it for six marks and had it brought to its current location on a sleigh pulled by eight horses; the transport was much more expensive than the purchase, namely 330.00 marks. The shell stone is a granite block that is two meters high and has a circumference of 5.20m. It tapers towards the top and has many small, bowl-shaped depressions on its surface. It is also a prehistoric sacrificial stone with man-made depressions to collect the blood of the sacrificial animals. https://www.hohenwestedt.de/die-gemeinde/sehenswertes
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Nice and quiet place, good place to take a break
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Very nice place for a little break.
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The pristine depths of the earth still preserve much that is undiscovered. We owe our good spring water to Mother Nature. In Nindorf the Kimberquelle brings gut2 to light. You can discover how and where for yourself on site. This very special source was discovered quite by accident when drilling for oil in Nindorf in 1884. When the builders penetrated the marl layer, they encountered an artesian water vein. Since then it has been bubbling up all by itself. An artesian well was then built, which supplied the neighboring community of Remmels with water between 1913 and 1972. Of course, the local women also used this unfiltered, iron-rich water for washing. However, due to the high iron content in the water, their laundry never really turned white - which is why they were called the "grey mice of Remmels". For this reason, in the 1970s, the women in the area pushed through to have their drinking water supply connected to the public drinking water network. Apparently they didn't realize at the time how good their water actually was. The water tower in Remmels, which is under monument protection, still bears witness to these times. http://www.gutzwei.de/de/quelle/
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Visitors particularly enjoy the Kimber Spring, known for its naturally bubbling artesian water discovered in 1884. Another favorite is the Polders of the Haaler Au, a lake and natural monument providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, including pygmy swans. The Haaler Au Memorial and Nature Reserve, featuring a small lake formed by the Haaler Au, is also highly appreciated.
Yes, several natural monuments around Haale are suitable for families. The Kimber Spring offers an interesting historical context of its discovery. The Rüsterbergen Inland Dune is a unique natural attraction where children can explore. Additionally, the Polders of the Haaler Au and the Haaler Au Memorial and Nature Reserve are great for observing nature and wildlife.
The Haale region is characterized by diverse natural features. You can discover unique geological formations like the Rüsterbergen Inland Dune, a moving dune in a nature reserve. The area also boasts natural springs, such as the Kimber Spring, and river landscapes with protected polder areas like the Polders of the Haaler Au, which are vital habitats for many animals.
The Haale region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Gieselau Canal or exploring routes like the 'Path Along the Gieselau Canal – Haarbek Brook loop'. For hiking, consider trails such as the 'Polders of the Haaler Au – Mouth of the Haaler Au loop'. Road cycling options include routes like 'Old Pilot Station Schülp – Breiholz Ferry loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Haale, Hiking around Haale, and Road Cycling Routes around Haale guides.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. A moderate option is the 'Polders of the Haaler Au – Mouth of the Haaler Au loop' which is 11.5 km long. Easier trails include the 'War Memorial Barlohe Forest – Bench loop' (6.2 km) and a 'Hiking loop from Tackesdorf' (7.1 km). For more hiking ideas, refer to the Hiking around Haale guide.
The Rüsterbergen Inland Dune is a moving inland dune located within a nature reserve on the Kiel Canal. It's considered one of the region's natural attractions, offering a unique landscape. Visitors can enjoy a break here and observe the surrounding nature, including the Kiel Canal where pilot changes for ships can be witnessed.
Yes, at the Kimber Spring, visitors can fill up their bottles with the natural spring water. It's described as a great facility for a break and to refresh with the 'gut2' spring water.
The lake-like polder areas of the Polders of the Haaler Au serve as an important habitat for many animals. Notably, pygmy swans use these areas as a resting place during February and March to strengthen themselves before their onward migration. Winter is often recommended for observing the wildlife here.
Yes, the Shell House and Shell Stone combines natural and historical elements. While the Shell House itself is a unique building decorated with shells, the Shell Stone in front of it is a prehistoric sacrificial stone from the younger or older Bronze Age, featuring cup-shaped depressions.
The Haaler Au Memorial and Nature Reserve is a protected area where the Haaler Au, which drains part of the Aukrug Nature Park, forms a small lake just before it flows into the Kiel Canal. It also features a memorial stone commemorating the expansion of the Haaler Au between 1932 and 1986.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Many enjoy the unique geological features like the inland dune, the serene river landscapes, and the chance to observe wildlife, especially at the polder areas. The historical context of sites like the Kimber Spring and the Shell Stone also adds to the experience.
Yes, the Rüsterbergen Inland Dune offers scenic views of the surrounding nature and the Kiel Canal. Additionally, the Polders of the Haaler Au are noted as a viewpoint, particularly for observing the lake-like polder areas and their wildlife.


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