Bleckede – between the Elbe, Geest and marshland

Bleckede lies between Geest and marshland and, with 13 districts, stretches along the Elbe. The town is surrounded by the landscape of the Lower Saxon Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, which offers opportunities to experience nature and see rare animal species. This gives your trip several possible focuses: nature, views, exploring the landscape and historic buildings. In Lüneburg, city and town hall tours showcase its historic atmosphere, with gabled brick houses, old lanes and the Water Quarter.

Nature and views

The Biosphaerium Elbtalaue, an information and visitor centre for the Lower Saxon Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, is located in Bleckede Castle. The modern exhibition covers more than 1,000 square metres and focuses on the birdlife and aquatic life of the Elbe Valley. This makes the centre a good starting point if you would like to learn more about these two subjects.

The viewing platform in the tower of Bleckede Castle offers 360-degree views of the landscape in and around Bleckede. The exhibition and the viewpoint offer different perspectives: one focuses on the birdlife and aquatic life of the Elbe Valley, the other on panoramic views across the landscape.

Understanding and experiencing the landscape

In Breetze, a district of Bleckede, you can see Ice Age erratic boulders at the Findlingsring. The stones illustrate how the Elbe glacial valley was formed, bringing the region’s geological past to life at a specific site.

A hiking route starts at the car park by the Biosphaerium Elbtalaue – Bleckede Castle. It leads over the dike and along a sandy path, past old Elbe channels, oxbow lakes and backwaters, across the lock on the “Alte Elbe” and towards the Heisterbusch sheep farm. The Findlingsring brings the story of the Ice Age together in one place, while the hiking route passes several named landscape features.

Castle, church and railway

Bleckede Castle is a protected historic complex dating back several centuries. Its oldest part is a historic tower stump from the 13th century. St. James’ Church also provides a clear point of reference in time: it was rebuilt in 1766 in the late Baroque style. If you are interested in architectural history, you can compare the age of the castle’s oldest part with that of the later church building.

The Bleckede light railway is associated with historic trains and the varied landscape between Lüneburg and Bleckede.

Guided town walks for groups

Guided town walks are available for groups staying in Bleckede and can be arranged through the Tourist Information Office. Lasting one hour, they offer an overview of Bleckede’s appearance, culture and history; the tour can be extended on request. If you are planning a shared introduction to the town’s history, the walk offers a concise overview. Contact the Tourist Information Office to arrange it.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Deutsch Evern, Heiligenthal, Hohnstorf (Elbe), Rullstorf, Nahrendorf, Reinstorf, Lüdersburg, Wendisch Evern.

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