Aalbek (Hemmelsdorfer See)

The Aalbek in Aalbek lowland

The Aalbek, sporadically Aalbeek, is a river in the communities Ratekau and Timmendorfer beach in the district of East Holstein in Schleswig -Holstein.

It drains the north-eastern of Ratekau Ruppersdorfer lake to the east. After about 2 km you reach the southwestern part of the lake Hemmelsdorfer, she leaves again at its northern end. After further than 2 km the Aalbek flows on the western outskirts of Niendorf at the Baltic Sea. Is the Niendorf harbor at its mouth.

Aalbek lowland

Located on the lower reaches of the Aalbek between the lake and the Hemmelsdorfer Osteseebädern Timmendorfer beach and Niendorf Aalbek lowlands was declared on 31 December 1984 a nature reserve. The northern part of the lake is part of the nature reserve, which has a total size of 349 ha. The Aalbek lowlands has been designated as Natura 2000 site and therefore is considered a protected area of European importance. The valley is located only 0.3 m above sea level on average. NN. It is a lowland aggradation of a former after the last ice age ( Weichselian ) incurred Fjord. The swamp forest, the Seggenrasen and wet meadows on the north shore of the lake are Hemmelsdorfer habitat of a species-rich water bird, amphibian and insect fauna.

In addition to the Aalbek the lowlands of the east parallel Twerbek (also called Querbek ) flow-through, which also leaves the Hemmelsdorfer lake and united after about 1500 m with the Aalbek ( ⊙ 53.988210.8144 ). About 550 m east of the Aalbek and 200 m east of the Twerbek are the remains of the castle Gosevelde.

Due to the nature reserve run several hiking trails, including from the nearby nearby bird park Niendorf parking. Near the lakefront is the Hermann- Lons - View ( ⊙ 53.98137910.805177 ), an observation tower, which offers visitors a panoramic view over the countryside.