Rühstädt is a small village in the North Eastern part of Germany in the state of Brandenburg, near the river “Elbe”. It is situated within the Biosphere Reserve “River Landscape Elbe - Brandenburg“, about 15 kilometres from Wittenberge (23.000 inhabitants). Rühstädt is the village with the highest population of White Stork in Germany. In 1996, the best year of White Stork, 44 pairs nested on the roofs of houses in the village.

Every year, there are between 30 and 40 pairs nesting (Fig.1). In 1996, Rühstädt was awarded the titel “European Stork Village” from EURONATUR. The year after, 55.000 visitors were counted in the village. All of the round about 250 people of Rühstädt are living “with” and also “from” the storks. A lot of places use the stork as their heraldic figure or take the name “stork” (in German: “Storch”) as part of their title. For example, one of the restaurants is called “Storchenkrug” (“Stork Inn”), a second restaurant uses the name “Storchenhof” (“Stork Court”). Also, there is a “House of Storks”, which is organized by the “Stork Club”. The “Stork Club” was founded in 1990. All the members conduct their work to protect storks voluntarily.

The “House of Storks” as well as the Visitor center run by NABU (Nature Conservation Union of Germany) and Biosphere Reserve informs tourists about White Stork. They show exhibits about storks and nature conservation. In addition they offer guideded tours through the village and the surrounding landscape.

The “House of Storks” as well as the Visitor center run by NABU (Nature Conservation Union of Germany) and Biosphere Reserve informs tourists about White Stork. They show exhibits about storks and nature conservation. In addition they offer guideded tours through the village and the surrounding landscape.

The storks have made the community and village of Rühstädt well known within Germany. This fact has contributed to the development of the community and the region considerably. For example, Rühstädt is now the centre of the protected area “River Landscape Elbe- Brandenburg” and headquarters of the administration for the Biosphere Reserve.

The Biosphere Reserve “River Landscape Elbe” is one of 14 UNESCO-Biosphere reserves in Germany and is with over 350.000 ha the largest of them in Germany. It comprises of 5 German states, that is: Sachsen-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Niedersachsen, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. Goals of the biosphere reserve are protection and development of the Elbe floodplains with its rich cultural and natural landscapes. Regional development including tourism, environmental education and a sound sustainable landuse are also important fields of work. Last but not least research and environmental observation are part of the functions of biosphere reserves worldwide.

The central component of the Biosphere Reserve is the Elbe glacial spillway with the Elbe, the mainly extended grasslands and the adjoining, partial dune covered valley-sand zone.

The Elbe is Germany´s only sand-river, and in this area it´s comparatively near-natural. With over 100 nesting pairs of the White Stork, the Biosphere Reserve is one of the storkrichest areas of Germany. The entire floodplain area is an important resting site and hibernation area for, among others, nordic geese and cranes as well as a nesting area for grassland birds. Through the diversified landscape, the interesting villages and other places of interest, tourism plays an increasing role. Especially for nature-lovers and cyclists, the area is an attraction. Halfway between Hamburg and Berlin, the Biosphere Reserve especially attracts visitors from both big cities.

One of the attractions of Rühstädt is the “Stork Festival”, celebrated every year in July. The festival is organised by the Stork Club, the Biosphere Reserve administration, the Ranger Service and the community of Rühstädt.

It all began on a very small scale: People from the surrounding villages brought cake and some coffee and celebrated together. Over the years, it became one of the biggest festivals in the region with 10.000 to 12.000 guests, annually. All residents help out with organizing the event. There are concerts, art exhibits and a market with regional products. The festival lasts three days and always takes place over the last weekend in July.