As of: April 5, 2024 11:40 a.m
The region in eastern Lower Saxony attracts with lots of nature, such as the Elbe floodplain, as well as pretty half-timbered towns and round villages. Numerous cycling and hiking trails invite you to explore.
For decades, the region in eastern Lower Saxony around the towns of Lüchow and Dannenberg was somewhat marginalized as a “fringe area”. A stroke of luck for nature: it was able to develop almost undisturbed. The Elbe with its numerous arches, flood plains and the riparian forest near Gartow is now the habitat of numerous endangered animal and plant species. Beavers, cranes and storks live in the riparian zones. As part of the cross-border biosphere reserve “Elbe River Landscape”, the Elbe floodplain in Lower Saxony is under special protection by UNESCO.
Fish and beavers in the Biosphaerium in Bleckede
Worth seeing is Bleckede Castle – an ensemble of historical buildings surrounded by a moat.
Visitors can learn more about the diverse nature of the river landscape in a playful way in the Biosphaerium Elbtalaue, which is housed in Bleckede Castle. There it is also possible to take a look at the region’s mostly hidden wildlife. Around 25 different species of Elbe fish such as eel, stickleback and catfish live in aquariums, and in a beaver enclosure the shy animals can be observed through a glass pane in their living tank.
Half-timbered towns and round buildings
In addition to the castle town of Bleckede, the Wendland offers two other pretty half-timbered towns: Dannenberg and Hitzacker. In Hitzacker it is worth visiting the Archaeological Center, which provides insights into the everyday life of people in the Bronze Age. At the location of the open-air museum, which regularly offers various hands-on activities, the remains of a 3,000-year-old settlement were uncovered.
The pretty Rundling villages can be easily explored by bike.
The Rundling villages are unique in Wendland. In more than 100 villages in the region, this medieval form of settlement, in which several farms were built in a circle around the common village square, is still preserved or at least clearly recognizable.
Typical Rundling villages in Wendland include Satemin, Jameln and Marlin. Most of the farms date from the period between 1770 and 1870.
On foot and by bike through the Wendland
From Höhbeck you have a great view of the Elbe and the Wendland.
The Wendland can be easily explored by bike or on foot. Cyclists can choose between a number of well-signposted tours. For hikers, the region offers numerous trails of varying lengths. A beautiful hike that is also easy for families with children leads to the Höhbeck, a hill on the Elbe near Vietze that dates back to the Ice Age. At the top, a viewing tower offers a great view of the landscape. South of Gartow you can explore the Nemitzer Heide on an approximately 15 kilometer long circular route.
By bike you can take a natural circular tour over 37 kilometers through various landscapes on both sides of the Elbe – from Gartow to Lenzen in Brandenburg and back. If you have ten days, you can discover the region on the 190 kilometer long Wendland circular route. Among other things, it leads over the Elb-Höhenweg from Hitzacker to Schnackenburg. A visit to the Borderland Museum is worth it. The former inner-German border strip was expanded into a border and nature trail. From Schnackenburg you follow the Wendland cross path via Lüchow and several Rundling villages to Clenze and finally back to Hitzacker.
Paddling and horseback riding in Wendland
With the Elbe, the rivers Dumme and Jeetzel, which meander picturesquely through the landscape with its meadows and forests, and Lake Gartower in the east, the Wendland is characterized by large and small waterways – ideal for extended paddling tours. For example, the Alte Jeetzel between Lüchow and Hitzacker is open to canoeists and kayakers.
With its extensive landscape, numerous bridle paths and a dense network of riding stables, the Wendland is also ideal for horse lovers. In addition to trail riding and carriage rides, donkey hikes are also possible.
Cultural country outing: annual art highlight
To this day, many people associate Wendland with resistance to the nuclear repository in Gorleben. The protest culture that has been cultivated for decades has made it the home of many artists and cultural workers. Once a year, always between Ascension and Pentecost, many of them open their studios and barns. Then, on the occasion of the “Cultural Country Party,” art exhibitions, markets, readings, concerts and theater performances take place in dozens of villages.
Further information
A 15 kilometer long hike takes you through the Gartower Forest, the heath, the town of Trebel and a Rundlingsdorf. more
The natural route runs for 37 kilometers on both sides of the Elbe. A good starting point is Gartow. more
The popular cycle path leads from the Czech Republic to the North Sea. The 250 kilometers from Hitzacker to Cuxhaven are an attractive section. more
ARD media library
In the Wendland in eastern Lower Saxony, wild animals, nature conservation and traditional country life still play an important role today. Video
3 Min
It’s worth getting up early for a walk. Then deer jump across the path and clouds of fog drift over the river. 3 mins
ARD media library
The Wendland in eastern Lower Saxony is sparsely populated, lonely and remote. But some find happiness here. Video
Map: Excursion destinations in Wendland
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the northern story | 01/31/2024 | 3:00 p.m