Rüterberg clay pit
On the edge of the so-called "Village Republic of Rüterberg" lies a natural gem of a special kind.
Clay was mined here by hand for more than 80 years. From the early 19th century onwards, initially sporadically, then industrially from 1889. The area was shut down in 1968 when the border was secured. What remained was an industrial wasteland. Desolate crater landscapes, deep pits and high slag heaps without trees or shrubs were the result of decades of clay mining. As more and more people left the then restricted area, nature reclaimed the land. Robinia, aspen and sand birch soon colonized the barren soil and over the decades, a dense mixed deciduous forest developed in and around the clay pit, which became the basis of life for a diverse flora and fauna. The clay pit gradually filled with water, creating a small lake. Today, an interesting circular trail leads around this lake, reflecting not only the traces of human activity, but also the result of almost 50 years of natural development. Over the past few years, the "Naturschutz Elbetal e.V." (Elbe Valley Nature Conservation Association) has transformed it into an educational nature trail with information boards and stands explaining the history of this unique landscape and its geological features. Visitors can also learn interesting facts about the mining history of the village and the animals and plants that live here. The well-signposted circular trail is around 1.2 kilometers long. If you want to visit all eight stations and find out more, you should allow an hour and a half.
Rüterberg clay pit - nature reclaims an industrial wasteland
On the edge of the so-called "Village Republic of Rüterberg", not far from the Elbe in southern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, lies an unusual natural gem: the Rüterberg clay pit. Clay was mined here for more than 80 years - initially sporadically from the early 19th century, then industrially from 1889. The area was shut down in 1968 when the GDR secured its borders. What remained was a desert-like industrial wasteland with deep pits, high slag heaps and barren ground.
From mining area to mixed deciduous forest with small lake
What followed is a remarkable story of renaturation. While the site was cut off as a restricted area for decades, nature reclaimed the land undisturbed. Robinia, aspen and sand birch trees colonized the barren soil and a dense mixed deciduous forest developed. The former pits filled with water to form a small lake. Today, the area provides a habitat for a diverse flora and fauna.
Rüterberg clay pit nature trail - circular trail with eight stationsThe "Naturschutz Elbetal e.V." association has transformed the site into a nature trail in recent years. A well-signposted circular trail of around 1.2 kilometers in length leads around the resulting lake and connects eight information stations. Panels and information stands explain the geological features, the mining history of Rüterberg and the flora and fauna of the area. If you want to explore all the stations at your leisure, you should allow around one and a half hours. The nature trail is suitable for families as well as nature lovers who want to experience rural Mecklenburg-Vorpommern away from the well-known coastal regions such as Fischland-Darß-Zingst or Rügen.
Other attractions in Rüterberg
Accommodations nearby
Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region
Alter Hof am Elbdeich country idyll hotel
● Unbesandten
Hotel-restaurant-holiday apartments, a listed farm dating from 1823 directly on the Elbe dyke, with a cozy restaurant, terrace, wellness area, sauna, sunbathing lawn, lake in the immediate vicinity, bicycles, book corner and fireplace.
Dömitzer Hafen jetty
● Dömitz
There are 16 boat moorings available in Dömitz harbor.
Dreenkrögen bathing lake - Silbersee campsite
● Dreenkrögen
The idyllically situated gravel lake is the ideal place to cool off in summer. Top water quality, large and fine sandy sunbathing areas, a jetty, snack facilities, sanitary facilities and lifeguards ensure safety in the cool water. Campers, motorhome tourists and caravan vacationers are welcome.