Ahrenshoop wood
Ahrenshooper Holz in the Baltic seaside resort of Ahrenshoop
The Ahrenshooper Holz is a 55-hectare nature reserve in the Baltic seaside resort of Ahrenshoop, located on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The area has been protected since September 4, 1958 and has not been farmed since 1967. As a result, an impressively old beech forest with peat stands has been preserved here, which is one of the most natural forest areas on the German Baltic coast.
Europe's largest contiguous holly stand
The occurrence of Ilex (holly) is particularly remarkable: The Ahrenshooper Holz is home to Europe's largest contiguous stand of this plant species. In addition to the extraordinary flora, rare animal species such as stock dove, tawny owl and lesser spotted flycatcher as well as various bat species find their habitat here. The grove once also inspired landscape painters such as Alfred Partikel, Fritz Grebe and Elisabeth von Eicken to create their works.
Hiking trail into the Ahrenshooper Wood
From the village road at the north-eastern end of Ahrenshoop, a hiking trail leads directly into the nature reserve. The walk through the old trees can be easily combined with a visit to the Ahrenshoop Art Museum or a walk along the beach at Fischland-Darß-Zingst.