From 30 May to 5 June 2026, Mike Teucher, Christopher Conrad and Johannes Löw, together with 19 undergraduate and teacher-training students from the Institute, went on a field trip through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. During the trip, numerous aspects covered in the seminar on the geography of Central Europe were explained and discussed using examples from the terrain and the surrounding landscape.
The focus at the start was on the region’s historical heritage. At Point Alpha, the former inner-German border was explored as part of the ‘Green Belt’ and placed within its landscape and political context. In the days that followed, the focus shifted to key geo-ecological topics: from volcanic landforms and hydrological systems around the Wasserkuppe to issues of forest conversion in the context of climate change.
Another key focus was on agricultural use and its transformation processes. Excursions to orchard meadows, former mining areas and a visit to the Merkers adventure mine highlighted the close link between the use of raw materials, nature conservation and regional development. In the Rhön-Grabfeld eco-model region, sustainable farming practices and regional value chains were also discussed.
The exploration of moorland ecosystems was particularly impressive. In the Schwarzes Moor and Rotes Moor, participants examined these sensitive habitats as climate archives and significant carbon sinks. The course concluded with an examination of the role of water in the cultural landscape, including along the Franconian Saale and in the spa town of Bad Kissingen.
The field trip combined specialist content with practical on-site observations and offered a wide range of opportunities for independent analysis and discussion. It thus represented an important component of the geoecology course and highlighted the significance of integrative approaches in dealing with complex human-environment systems.
