The Kösterbeck is a small river, that runs through a deep incision that emphasises the height differences.
Since the late Middle Ages this region has been largely unforested and was used for centuries as pasture land.
As a result of constant grazing the landscape was kept open and has been colonised predominantly by drought-loving, grazing-resistant plants that need lots of warmth and light and by animals that are well-adapted to the environment.
Previously there was an observation tower here, from where there were views of Rostock and the surrounding area and, on clear days, even as far as Warnemünde.
In Rostock Switzerland there was once the northernmost ski lift in the East Germany.