| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Administrative district(s) or town: | Nordwestmecklenburg |
| Size: | 2.90 square kilometres |
| Reserve since: | 1990 |
| Location: | The Wakenitz lowland stretches south-west of Herrnburg, which lies off the gates of Lübeck. |
The valley of Wakenitz was formed when the melt water flowed from the glaciers of the Weichsel ice age. Later moors were formed; extensive swamping occurred subsequent to the erection of the dam called Lübecker Mühlenstau in the 13th century.
Formerly, south of Herrnburg drifting dunes and heath characterised the appearance of the large landscape; the dune called Herrnburger Binnendüne is a remnant of this.
Wetland woods and fen woods are the predominant feature of the Wakenitz lowland. About 60 species of birds, including the oriole, breed here.
The former German border between East and West Germany is the reason for the richness of species; over decades nature could develop freely. Today the Autobahn 20 crosses the Wakenitz lowland in the south.
Public trails lead only to the eastern edge of the reserve. South of Herrnburg information charts are posted at the Binnendüne and at the edge of the woods.