Connected with Nature

What may not seem so exciting at first glance reveals itself upon closer inspection to be a unique habitat for rare plant and animal species. In this legally protected biotope with its nutrient-poor soil, you can discover fragrant wild herbs, a wide variety of plants in every imaginable shape and flower color, and numerous grass species from spring right through to autumn.

In summer, the small maiden pinks and sheep's bit scabious glow with vibrant colors. The tall mulleins can be seen from afar. In late summer, when the heath is in bloom, vast carpets of wild thyme spread across the landscape. Countless grasses blossom and sway gently in the wind. Yet plants are not the only living things that have found a home here – during peak blooming season in particular, a rich variety of insects can be observed.

(Photos: Bettina and Jan Brockmann, heide-ranger.de)

The sparse dry grassland is ideally suited for ground-nesting birds. The skylark feels particularly at home here. Vast open spaces with low vegetation form an optimal breeding ground for this protected bird. Its aerial acrobatics are admirable and always a delight to watch. From April through the end of June is the breeding and nesting season, during which visitors must remain strictly on the designated paths.

These frugal animals keep the dry grassland and heath areas cropped low through their constant grazing, naturally preventing young trees and woody plants from taking over. Nowadays, they are often assisted by goats. Incidentally, the term “Schnucke” comes from “schnökern,” which means curious, selective nibbling. Our neighbors, the Schmidt shepherd family, regularly move their herd through the Camp. The animals are hardly shy; in their quest for something tasty to nibble on, they occasionally even explore the guest room terraces.

It gives this region its name and can also be found throughout the Camp. Calluna vulgaris, the most widespread heather plant here, usually blooms from early August into September, transforming the landscape into a single sea of purple blossoms. During this time, it provides an abundant food source for countless insects, particularly bees. The heather bloom is an impressive spectacle of nature that can be experienced on foot or by bicycle along numerous signposted trails.

The 25-hectare Camp Reinsehlen is a protected habitat for rare plant and animal species. The idea of designing the hotel sustainably has guided the Camp since its inception. Sustainability is indispensable from ecological, economic, and social perspectives and should be a matter of course today. The importance of conserving resources and respecting flora and fauna penetrates all the deeper into our consciousness through our daily experience of this unique natural landscape.

Concrete measures for protecting the environment, conserving resources, and preserving nature at HOTELCAMP REINSEHLEN.

Architecture and Buildings
Our room complexes were built using eco-friendly construction methods. High-quality, natural, and durable materials were used for the interior design.
We consciously avoid air conditioning. Instead of energy-intensive minibars, we provide cooling boxes upon request. The MehrBlick buildings are equipped with green roofs.

• Gas heat pumps in the event halls, administration, and MehrBlick room complexes.
• Combined gas heat and power plant (generating both electricity and heat) for the GASTHAUS and lobby areas.
• Heat recovery system installed in the kitchen area.
• Heating thermostats equipped with door/window contact switches that detect open windows in all rooms.
• Water-saving showerheads and aerators fitted in all rooms.
• LED lighting and motion sensors throughout the property.

We predominantly process fresh, regional products with short delivery routes, as well as organic products where possible, including for example:

• Potatoes and asparagus from our neighbor, Farmer Heins.
• Meat, fish, and eggs sourced directly from the Heath region.
• Heidschnucken lamb and mutton from neighboring shepherd Schmidt.
• Organically grown, fair-trade single-origin coffee from Peru.
• We strictly avoid overfished and overfarmed fish species.
• Fruit spreads and jams are homemade directly by our kitchen team.
• Across the Camp, we offer a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

• Opt-out option for daily stayover room cleaning (“green choice”).
• Use of chemical-free micro-steam cleaners in all public areas.
• Soaps and shampoos sourced from certified organic cultivation.
• Exclusive use of recycled paper.

• We partner with regional craftspeople, suppliers, and service providers. For instance, all of our hotel linens are laundered and cared for by Rotenburger Werke, an institution supporting individuals with disabilities.
• We host the “Winterspektakel,” a popular market featuring regional vendors. Its raffle regularly supports local clubs and social organizations around Schneverdingen.
• We have been a long-standing sponsor of the annual Handball Heide Cup in Schneverdingen.