The nature reserve of Schlangenberg which means snake-mountain is located in the west of Germany close to the Dutch and Belgian border.

The soil of the nature reserve is basically limestone which was precipitated about 400 million years ago by an ancient ocean.

In the following million years geological movements carried it to the surface where erosion removed large amounts.

The process continued and the ore close to the surface decomposed due to the influence of carbon dioxide and water.

The woodlark, an endangered species in Germany, as well as the red-backed shrike live in the reserve in large quantities.

The Biologischen Station im Kreis Aachen e. V. a governmental group of environmental specialists has tried to resettle the yellow-bellied toad.

Visitors of the nature reserve destroy much of the flora and fauna through the creation and use of hiking trails.

A local group had founded a museum presenting detailed information about the Schlangenberg, its past as a mining area, exhibits of animals and flowers, as well as plenty of photos to visiting tourists.