Once again we were on a hiking tour in the Harz mountains, had already visited the Hübichenstein near Bad Grund and now wanted to go to the Harz hiking pin stamping point 129 to add another stamp to our hiking pass.

Once again, the stamp office could not be found at the point indicated by our GPS near the Hübichenstein. Almost desperate, we came across a few passers-by who at least put us on the trail, but more on that later. Our search was definitely the reason for finding the WeltWald Harz near Bad Grund.

Arboretum – what is that anyway?

The WeltWald Harz is an arboretum on the north-western edge of the Harz Mountains that has existed since 1975.

In the area around the town of Bad Grund, 285 tree and 238 shrub species from different forests in the temperate climate zone of our world were planted and cultivated on an area of around 100 hectares.

There are a total of 113,000 trees here. An arboretum is a collection (not growing in planters) of various, often exotic, trees and shrubs; this can also be a botanical garden, for example, in which mainly trees and shrubs are planted.

In Bad Grund on the edge of the Harz Mountains, the state of Lower Saxony has been operating a test facility on around 100 hectares since 1975 with around 600 tree species of proven origin in order to observe their growth characteristics.

The arboretum is open to the public and a real tourist attraction, especially in autumn due to the intense colour of the leaves.

Incidentally, Germany's largest forestry arboretum in terms of area is located in the Burgholz state forest in the urban area of Wuppertal.

There, on around 250 hectares, trees and shrubs from three continents are examined for their environmental compatibility and their growth behaviour in the Central European climate zone.

Objective of an arboretum – to counteract forest dieback

The aim of the Lower Saxony state forests is to examine the adaptation to the local climate and growth characteristics of these alien tree species.

This is intended to determine the site requirements of these tree species for later cultivation trials.

When creating the arboretum, special care was taken to ensure that no unstable pure stands were created, but that entire forest communities from the individual climatic regions with the complete spectrum of tree and shrub species were planted.

In order to have an accurate picture of the development of the trees, they are included in a long-term observation and measurement scheme.

The growth height is also determined every five years.

Furthermore, various biotic and abiotic damage is recorded and the plant-specific processes are recorded over the course of the year.

In order to test their future suitability as commercial tree species, timber is constantly removed from the individual forest communities for maintenance purposes.

In addition to the diverse forest communities, the World Forest Harz also offers visitors various special events throughout the season.

During the Advent season, for example, greenery and Christmas trees from the area are offered.

The adventure trail in the World Forest near Bad Grund

The World Forest near Bad Grund is an impressive collection of over 600 tree and shrub species from North America, Asia and Europe. The extensive facility is located on an approximately 65 hectare hilly forest area - rambles through the crowns of the trees and magnificent views of nature are guaranteed.

Walkers can look forward to an approximately 14-kilometer network of paths spread over 14 hectares of forest and numerous benches and vantage points.

The WeltWald Harz is accessible to everyone, but you should wear sturdy shoes. There are parking spaces at the Hübichenstein and at the Hübichalm.

The so-called adventure trail alone meanders 1.7 kilometres through the forest and brings visitors closer to nature and the world of the Indians.

It starts at the parking lot at the Indian tipi and the two totem poles.

 The path first leads through the sequoia forest to an animal long-jump pit. There are also numerous carved wooden animals that live in the American forests.

The adventure trail then leads through the Pacific coastal forest. You will see completely different types of trees here than before.

There is also an Indian grave on stilts and a tipi for children. It continues over a wooden bridge, past a wooden puzzle and a wooden chime.

You will then come to an information pavilion and a discovery tower.

At the end of the path, another spectacular highlight awaits you: an 18-metre-long suspension bridge.

The tour of the adventure trail takes about 2 hours.

An international Nordic walking run takes place twice a year on the grounds of the arboretum.

The Lower Saxony forestry office in Riefensbeek is available to arrange the exact date.

The forest office is also responsible for organizing guided tours, for example during the Indian summer in autumn or when the rhododendrons are in bloom in spring.

The hut in the arboretum is included as number 129 in the system of stamping points for the Harzer hiking nobility, which is how we finally found it.

Please read as well:

The seaside resort of Saranda - just a stone's throw to Corfu

Royal Art and Freemasonry - Encounter in Vienna