Leiferde: Between the Viehmoor, the Church and Wildlife

Leiferde brings together the landscape of the Viehmoor with culture and local wildlife. St. Viti Church and the NABU Species Conservation Centre complement these attractions in different ways. When looking for accommodation, it helps to distinguish between the local highlights and the wider range of options in the overarching destination of Gifhorn: would you like to focus mainly on nature and culture in Leiferde, or also include the district in your plans?

The Viehmoor: Landscape and History

The Viehmoor nature reserve covers around 320 hectares in the Upper Aller glacial valley. This lowland moor landscape combines tranquil waters, reed beds, wet meadows, heathland, dunes and forests. It is also an important resting and breeding ground for rare, protected bird species. Alongside its varied landscape, its importance as a habitat is also a key feature.

The history of the Viehmoor includes the cultivation of the moorland and its long use for fish farming. This earlier use of the landscape adds another perspective to its present-day habitats: the Viehmoor is both a natural area and a place with a history of human use.

Church Architecture and Wildlife

St. Viti Church is a Neo-Gothic brick building dating from 1860. Neo-Gothic refers to an architectural style that revives forms from the Gothic period. Combined with the brickwork, this creates a clear cultural contrast with the moorland landscape. The church has around 750 seats, and its organ has 1,164 pipes. For travellers interested in architecture as well as nature, the style, year of construction and organ offer specific points of interest.

The NABU Species Conservation Centre in Leiferde offers the chance to see local wild animals up close; the centre includes an open-air animal enclosure. In the wider destination of Gifhorn, the centre cares for local wild animals in need, mainly birds. Animals that have recovered are released back into their natural habitats as soon as possible. This places opportunities to encounter local animals alongside animal protection as two distinct aspects.

Twargborn and Twargstieg can still be seen near Wohlenberg.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Leiferde has direct bus connections to Gifhorn and Braunschweig. Bus routes and timetables can change, so check the current connections before your trip. There is a lockable bicycle shelter on the north side of Leiferde railway station. You should also check its availability for your planned date. The bus connections and the facility at the station are practical details to include in your travel plans.

The Wider Destination of Gifhorn

The wider destination of Gifhorn includes heathland, forests, moorland, rivers and lakes. The district is home to the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

For cycling tours, Gifhorn district offers online route planning based on numbered junctions, available on a computer or through an app. Around 400 signposted junctions can be combined to create individual cycling routes. The cycle network comprises around 700 kilometres of recreational cycle paths, plus around 550 kilometres of everyday routes and connecting paths. Check the latest route information before planning. Another cultural attraction in the wider destination is the International Wind and Watermill Museum in Gifhorn, which features more than 13 full-size mills from around the world.

Discover more destinations: Ribbesbüttel, Meinersen, Brechtorf, Dedelstorf, Tülau, Gifhorn, Hagen, Groß Oesingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Gifhorn.