Witzhave: Billetal, Corbek and Chapel

The river landscape and local history give Witzhave its different facets. The Billetal Nature Reserve covers around 176 hectares along the Bille and Corbek between Reinbek and Grande. Its two waterways provide the geographical landmarks for an outing focused on protected nature and the landscape along the rivers.

River Landscapes and Protected Areas

The Corbek, Brunsteichbach and Brunsbach Landscape Protection Area stretches along the Corbek between Rausdorf and Witzhave. Wet woodlands and grassland predominate in the low-lying areas. A small-scale agricultural landscape, divided by hedgerows, adjoins them. Wet lowlands and a finely structured cultural landscape therefore sit side by side.

The Bille is also designated as a nature reserve: its near-natural habitat supports plants and animals, including endangered fish. Rules for protected areas can change, so check the current guidance before visiting.

You can reach Billetal via the Witzhave exit on the A24. From Ohe, you can drive to the Doktorbrücke car park and quickly reach the signposted Bille hiking trail from there.

Local History Through Names, Coats of Arms and the Chapel

The place name also tells a story: it developed from Witeshave through Witzhaffen, Witzhöff and Witzhage to its present form, Witzhave. The coat of arms features a golden fibula, or garment clasp. The place name and coat of arms offer a different way to discover Witzhave than the river landscape: here, the focus is on traditional forms and symbols rather than paths and habitats.

The former church in Witzhave is officially designated as a chapel. A project description from 2014/15 states that the building has around 120 seats and lists concerts, readings, exhibitions and film screenings among its uses. Check current uses and event dates before visiting.

Your plans can help you choose accommodation: would you rather base your stay around the river landscape and the signposted Bille hiking trail, or is a current cultural event at the chapel the deciding factor? Check the dates in advance; the two themes call for different planning priorities.

Stormarn as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider travel destination of Stormarn offers further nature and cultural topics to help you plan your visit. Ahrensburg Castle was completed in 1585 and has served continuously as a museum since 1955. Reinbek Castle in Reinbek is a Dutch Renaissance-style building: it was built between 1572 and 1576, extensively restored, and serves as a cultural and communications centre. The two castles thus represent different aspects of regional history and contemporary cultural use.

Jersbek Estate is another historic destination in Stormarn. The estate dates back to the 16th century and has been farmed ever since; its 18th-century Baroque garden is open to visitors. In Reinfeld, the “Around Herrenteich” nature trail combines a four-kilometre circular route with 16 stops right on the edge of the “Oberer Herrenteich” nature reserve. Herrenteich itself was created in the 12th century by Cistercian monks as an artificial fishpond on the Heilsau for fish farming.

These regional examples broaden the choice beyond Witzhave: the history of castles and estates sits alongside a nature trail with a set length and number of stops.

Discover more destinations: Lütjensee, Bad Oldesloe, Köthel, Delingsdorf, Glinde, Heilshoop, Reinbek, Nienwohld.

Go to the wider travel overview: Stormarn.