Uelzen: Art, History and Nature

The Hundertwasser railway station in Uelzen combines art, ecology and modernity. It was created as a project for Expo 2000 in Hanover and is among the last works by Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This makes the discovery of Uelzen begin with a building whose design and origins are closely linked to a major architectural project.

Art, Churches and City History

From the station forecourt, the “Path of Stones” leads into Uelzen’s city centre. The route includes 21 artistically painted rock sculptures. The Gothic St. Mary’s Church is also a prominent part of the cityscape: its church tower is 86 metres high. The church was consecrated and elevated to parish church in 1292. Architecture and history can be traced here through specific buildings, although not every attraction dates from the same period.

Another historical detail is the “Nige Hus” of the Ratsweinhandlung. Built around 1500 as an extension of the Old Town Hall, it served as the city council’s wine and beer cellar. The Ratsweinhandlung remains a suitable stop for connoisseurs of fine wines. Thus, one building brings together its former use and a present-day connection with wine.

World Map and Historic Sites

The Ebstorf World Map is housed at Ebstorf Monastery. It was probably created around 1300, covers approximately 13 m² and is considered the largest known medieval depiction of the world. Guided tours from 1 April to 31 October last about 90 minutes and also explain the world map. Visitors interested in medieval ideas about the world will find a specific thematic focus for their visit; the tours connect the building with the map and its context.

Bodenteich Castle is the only castle in the district of Uelzen, although it has been preserved only in part. It was founded around 1250 and restored between 1983 and 1988. Today it houses the tourist information office, the citizens’ office and the castle museum. At the handicrafts museum in Suhlendorf, a demonstration of the milling mechanism of “Auguste,” a post mill over 200 years old, can be arranged; advance arrangements are required. The Hösseringen Museum Village offers another glimpse into history: since its founding in 1975, 30 historic buildings have been assembled there.

Heathland, Water and Activity

Ellerndorf Juniper Heath lies between Eimke and Ebstorf in the district of Uelzen. It covers almost 60 hectares and is the largest contiguous heathland area in the eastern Lüneburg Heath. In Uelzen itself, Oldenstadt Lake is a popular destination for walking and jogging, as well as for swimming in summer. The Uelzen wildlife enclosure in the town forest combines native animal species, the Uelzen eagle owl and a visitor observation platform with walking trails and running routes.

For cyclists, the approximately 120-kilometre Ilmenau Cycle Path is a regional way to experience the river landscape along a longer route: it follows the Ilmenau from its source streams in the district of Uelzen to its confluence with the Elbe near Hoopte. Water-based leisure activities are also possible on the heath rivers and the Elbe Side Canal in the district. A specific vantage point along the canal is provided by the two viewing platforms at the Uelzen lock complex near Esterholz, where visitors can watch ships entering and leaving. Locks I and II lie between Uelzen and Wittingen near Esterholz. Tours around Uelzen present botanical, geological and historical features, as well as archaeological sites, with expert explanations. As dates may change, it is advisable to check the current programme.

Getting to the District of Uelzen

The district of Uelzen is easily accessible by rail, including via the Hamburg–Hanover main line. Other transport routes providing access to the district of Uelzen include the Elbe Side Canal and federal highways.

Discover more destinations: Bad Bevensen, Suderburg, Suhlendorf, Uelzen, Bad Bodenteich, Hanstedt, Barum, Altenmedingen, Eimke, Bienenbüttel, Emmendorf, Wriedel, Himbergen, Schwienau, Rosche, Rätzlingen, Gerdau, Lüder.

To the overview of destinations: Lower Saxony.