The Hildesheim Gallberg was designated a nature reserve in 1976. In 2004, the European Commission included the area in the “Natura 2000” protected area system. This makes it part of the European natural heritage.
The Gallberg is a calcareous semi-dry grassland that was created by intensive grazing in the Middle Ages. A large number of specific, sometimes very rare plants grow here, as well as insects and animals that only occur in such biotopes. This mountain range was already inhabited in the Neolithic period, as evidenced by many thousands of finds such as arrowheads, hand axes, blades and scrapers. In the 14th century, there was also a place of execution on the Gallberg.
The Gallberg nature trail with 17 stations was opened in 2006. These were artistically designed by pupils from Himmelsthür High School. Some of these stations had been completely destroyed by vandalism.
As part of a joint project between the social welfare office of the city of Hildesheim and Arbeit und Dritte Welt (ADW), people who are only able to work to a limited extent were given the opportunity of meaningful employment. Integrated into the daily work routine at ADW, the individual stations were gradually restored and made accessible to the public again.
