Schmücke

On 30 April 2013, the western part of the Schmücke south of Heldrungen together with the adjacent forests and southern slopes was designated a nature conservation.

[3] The landscape is characterized by a patchwork of dry grassland, chalk heathland, pastureland, clearance cairns, shrubs, orchards, forests and arable fields.

The size and diversity of the various heat- and dry-loving biotopes as well as their rarity provide habitats for a large number of animals and plants that have adapted to these dry conditions, which is particularly important for inter alia wild bees, grasshoppers and butterflies.

In winter, western barbastelles find shelter here, which is why the area is currently considered the largest known hibernation roost for this species of bat in Thuringia.

Day trippers and hikers prefer the Schmücke because of its beauty and the extraordinary views over the Thuringian Basin.

View from the Untere Sachsenburg over the Thuringian Gate to the northwestern end of the Schmücke with the bridge over the Unstrut carrying the B 85 and B 86
The Thuringian Gate from the south: on the horizon is the Kyffhäuser Monument ; the forested ridge with the Obere and Untere Sachsenburg on the left is the eastern end of the Hainleite ; opposite on the right is the start of the Schmücke.