Relaxing Getaways: Heath, Sea, Dinosaur Trails: 9 Retreats in Lower Saxony
- Written by Niels Kruse
- Approx. Reading Time - 6 Minutes
Sankt Andreasberg, Harz
Lower Saxony Retreats: Discover Nine Hideaways Filled with History and Nature, Featuring Lakes and Dinosaur Sites - Refugees in Lower Saxony: Nine individuals from the Heide, Sea, and Dinosaur regions of Lower Saxony reported to be asylum seekers
Zoom, zoom, down we go! The exhilarating summer toboggan run stretches more than half a kilometer long. Those who prefer a leisurely pace can hike up the track, or save their energy for the high ropes course and the Samson mine - a UNESCO World Heritage site! Located in the Oberharz region, there's no shortage of hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Best for: Nature and active holiday-makers, families, seniors
- Duration: 3 to 5 days
- How to reach: By car from Hannover approximately 1.5 hours. By train, the journey takes twice as long. Braunlage is 20 minutes away, while Magdeburg can be reached in about 1.5 hours by car.
Neuwerk, Wattenmeer
Technically part of Hamburg, this tiny island off Cuxhaven can be accessed via Lower Saxony. A one-hour circular walk around the island, with chances of encountering few other people, offers a unique experience. Neuwerk has just 40 residents. At the base of the lighthouse, a charming kiosk run by Hartmut Lange offers supplies.
- Best for: Nature lovers, walkers, families, couples, seniors
- Duration: 1 to 2 days
- How to reach: By ferry from Cuxhaven in approximately 1.5 hours. Or opt for a tidal walk for a 3-hour immersive experience.
Lüneburger Heide
Red, pink, lilac, violet - the myriad hues of the heath landscape stretch across an area twice the size of Mallorca. From urban dwellers seeking tranquility to bird enthusiasts, there's something for everyone. Over 60 hiking trails cater to day trips up to 25 kilometers, and the "Heidekultour" offers a unique exploration of picturesque old villages.
- Best for: Everyone
- Duration: 1 to 3 days
- How to reach: From Lüneburg to Bispingen takes about 45 minutes by car. From Hamburg to Egestorf in an hour by car. From Hannover to Schneverdingen takes just under 90 minutes.
Greetsiel, Ostfriesland
Charming town meets North Sea in this picturesque waterfront locale. Crisscrossed by small and larger waterways, opportunities for paddling abound. The area is home to a bird observation hut in the nature reserve, and guided tours are offered from the information wagon. Note: mudflat entry is not permitted without a guide.
- Best for: Couples, seniors, nature lovers
- Duration: 1 to 3 days
- How to reach: 275 kilometers from Hannover. Travel duration by car: 3.5 hours, by train: 4.5 hours. Bremen is 150 kilometers away, approximately 2-hour drive or 3-hour train ride.
Minus the car: Exploring Oldenburg is best done on a bike, as locals take to the bikes regardless of the weather. The grandeur of the castle and princes' palace in the city center are testament to the area's history. The old town boasts a lively atmosphere with ample cafés, bars, and restaurants. For culture vultures, the Oldenburg State Theater offers stages, and the Horst Janssen Museum houses works by the renowned comedian.
- Best for: Couples, families
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- How to reach: From Bremen by train in 40 minutes. From Hannover a 2-hour car ride. Hamburg and Munster are each approximately 160 kilometers away.
Heide Park Soltau
Thrill seekers unite! This leisure park in the heart of Lower Saxony offers over 40 rides and roller coasters. Add in dozens of snack stands, accommodations, and camping facilities, and you've got a full day of fun!
- Best for: Families, couples, teenagers
- Duration: 1 to 2 days
- How to reach: The Heide Park is easily accessible by both car and train. From Hamburg or Hannover each takes about an hour by car, while the train journey is approximately twice as long. Magdeburg is 2.5 hours away by car.
Emden
Sailing aficionados will appreciate the city's maritime connections: harbor, Dollart, or North Sea. Emden produced notable personalities like comedian Otto Waalkes, director Wolfgang Petersen, Henri Nannen (founder of stern), and Karl Dall. Their impact can be observed through museums like the art hall and the Otto House.
- Best for: North Sea lovers, families, seniors
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- How to reach: From Bremen approximately 1.5 hours by car. By train or car, the journey takes around 2.5 hours from Munster. Hannover is 250 kilometers away.
Weserbergland
Fairy tales come to life in south Lower Saxony. Visit Burg Polle (Cinderella), Osterwald (Snow White's dwarves), Bodenwerder (Münchhausen's hometown), and the piper of Hamelin. Four nearby spa towns provide rest and relaxation.
- Best for: Everyone (adventure-seekers and rest-seekers alike)
- Duration: 1 to 5 days
- How to reach: Bad Oeynhausen and Bad Salzuflen are less than an hour's drive from Hannover. Travel from Bielefeld to Hamelin takes a similar amount of time. The journey is worth it, as the scenic route reveals hidden treasures.
UNESCO Geopark Terra Vita
Discover the enchanting footprints of dinosaurs near Osnabrück in Barkhausen, part of the UNESCO Geopark Terra Vita. Extending from the Teutoburg Forest to the Wiehen Hills, this 1,500 square kilometer area houses 100 natural monuments and geological phenomena, including sources, canyons, erratic blocks, ancient quarries, and archaeological sites over 300 million years old. The Hermann's Tower in Georgsmarienhütte offers an excellent viewpoint.
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts of all ages
- Duration: 1 to 3 days
- How to reach: Georgsmarienhütte is approximately 30 minutes by car and 45 minutes by train from Osnabrück. Hannover and Barkhausen are approximately 1.5 hours apart.
- Lower Saxony's Hidden Gems: Explore the diversity of Lower Saxony with these idyllic retreats. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone in this scenic region.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the lifestyle choices and travel recommendations in this article about relaxing getaways in Lower Saxony.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find interest in visiting the regions with abundant hiking trails, such as the Oberharz region in Sankt Andreasberg or the Lüneburger Heide, to immerse themselves in the beautiful landscapes.
