Discover Lüneburg: History, Nature and Trails

A trip to Lüneburg can bring together very different interests: historic cityscapes, traces of the Ice Age and Stone Age, hiking trails and special experiences. The places you choose to focus on can also guide your search for suitable accommodation. Destinations range from city and town hall tours in Lüneburg to trails in Amelinghausen and nature and cultural attractions in Bleckede and Scharnebeck.

City history and views in Lüneburg

City and town hall tours in Lüneburg showcase the historic atmosphere, with gabled brick houses, old lanes and the picturesque water district. The water tower offers a different perspective: its viewing platform is 56 metres high and affords views over Lüneburg and the surrounding area. A stroll through historic streets and a view from above offer two distinct ways to experience the city.

At the water tower, classical concerts are held at 8 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month and on every full moon. Check the dates before you travel. Dates and booking conditions for city and town hall tours may also change, so take this information into account when planning.

Glacial erratics and megalithic tombs

The glacial erratic ring near Breetze, in the Bleckede district, is freely accessible, and parking is available. The erratics illustrate how the Elbe glacial valley was formed during the Ice Age. As access details may change, check them before your visit.

The megalithic tombs in Schieringer Forest, between Barskamp and Walmsburg, tell another chapter of early history. They were built in the Neolithic period, between 3000 and 2300 BC. A circular hiking trail leads from Walmsburg village square to the tombs. This lets you combine a specific hiking destination with an archaeological site without confusing the different stages of prehistory.

Hiking trails of different lengths

In Amelinghausen, a 2.2-kilometre circular trail runs alongside Lopausee and through Lopaupark. It is suitable for jogging, walking and Nordic walking. The Königinnen-Weg is also a circular trail, but at 11 kilometres it is considerably longer and runs around the heathland town of Amelinghausen. When planning your day, comparing the distances offers practical guidance: a shorter route by the lake or a longer hike around the town.

The annual Heideblütenfest takes place in August in the joint municipality of Amelinghausen. It includes the crowning of the Heath Queen and a large parade. The exact festival dates and programme vary; check both if you are planning your stay around the festival.

Experiences in Scharnebeck and Bleckede

The Lüneburg ship lift in Scharnebeck is the largest ship lift of its kind in Germany. Visitors interested in technology and large-scale structures will find a striking contrast here to the historic cityscapes and Stone Age sites. At Scharnebeck high ropes course, climbing routes range from platforms three to four metres high up to 15 metres, and there is also a 435-metre zip-line course. Check the operator’s information before visiting.

The Biosphaerium Elbtalaue in Bleckede combines an aquarium landscape, live beavers and more than 1,000 m² of modern exhibition space. These varied offerings give you several specific starting points for planning your trip: city history, archaeological remains, outdoor trails, technology or insights into the Elbe Valley. Then compare the location and details of each accommodation option to suit your planned stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Amt Neuhaus, Radbruch, Barum, Lüneburg, Bleckede, Reinstorf, Amelinghausen, Lüdersburg, Handorf, Dahlenburg, Brietlingen, Adendorf, Embsen, Barendorf, Heiligenthal, Betzendorf, Neu Garge, Nahrendorf, Thomasburg, Artlenburg, Boitze, Rullstorf, Westergellersen, Bardowick, Melbeck, Soderstorf, Barnstedt, Neetze, Wendisch Evern, Vögelsen, Deutsch Evern, Hohnstorf (Elbe), Hittbergen and Reppenstedt.

For the broader travel overview: Lower Saxony.