Discover Lilienthal

Lilienthal offers plenty to discover outdoors and a glimpse into history: its landscape of meadows, pastures and river dykes meets a rich history of astronomy, brick architecture and changing art exhibitions. The Telescopium reconstructs an observatory that was once the largest in Europe. When planning a trip, you might consider whether culture and historic buildings, routes through the landscape, or a mix of both should shape your stay.

Paths through meadows and along rivers

In Lilienthal, an extensive network of cycling and walking paths crosses meadows and pastures along the dykes of the Wümme, Hamme and Wörpe. Cycling along the Wörpe is another activity associated with Lilienthal. Canoeing on the Wümme offers a different perspective on the region; water levels and access rules may vary. For specific trip planning, it is worth checking current route and path conditions.

In the wider Teufelsmoor area, hiking routes range from short local circuits to longer tours through river landscapes, moors and villages. There are also 13 themed circular cycle routes, ranging from 16 to 62 kilometres. This range makes it easier to choose between a shorter loop and a longer route. Route information may change, so it is advisable to check for current details before planning.

Lilienthal's cultural connections also extend beyond the town: it is considered a central point in the cultural landscape triangle between Bremen, Worpswede and Fischerhude. When planning your trip, you can consider nature and culture side by side without limiting your stay to just one kind of excursion.

Churches and monastic history

The red-brick St. Marien Monastery Church is a defining feature of Lilienthal's historic centre. You can enquire about guided tours of St. Marien at the church office. St. Jürgen's Church has a different architectural character: the white, late Romanesque village church stands on a raised mound in a landscape of meadows. It is a destination for cyclists and walkers.

Lilienthal's history also includes a Cistercian nunnery. Construction began in 1232 under the name Vallis Liliorum; the completed building was consecrated in 1264. The Lilienthal monastery flourished in the 15th century. The historic buildings at Lilienhof offer another glimpse into regional architectural history. They include a farmhouse dating from 1651, a bakehouse from 1738, a barn approximately 300 years old, and a Spiecker (a traditional granary) from 1720.

Observing the sky, science and art

The Telescopium is a faithful reconstruction of the observatory that was once the largest in Europe. It includes Johann Hieronymus Schroeter's 27-foot-long reflecting telescope. The visitor programme includes an introduction to Lilienthal's astronomical history and to the operation of the historic large telescope. Depending on the weather, atmospheric conditions and timing, visitors may be able to observe lunar craters, Jupiter's cloud bands, Saturn's rings or features on the Sun's surface.

Other scientific topics take centre stage at KaLi's workshop: more than 40 interactive stations explore astronomy, optical illusions and electricity. Murkens Hof offers a different focus, with changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. The selection thus encompasses historic astronomy, hands-on science topics and contemporary art.

Choosing the right focus for your trip

If you are primarily interested in history, the monastic history, churches and Telescopium can guide your choice of what to see. For active days, consider the cycling and walking paths, along with activities associated with the Wörpe and Wümme in Lilienthal. If you would like to combine both, you can consider which of these interests will be the deciding factor when choosing accommodation. The regional hiking routes and circular cycle paths offer additional options with varying distances and landscape types.

Discover more destinations: Dannenberg, Grasberg, Ritterhude, Worpswede, Hambergen, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Schwanewede, Lübberstedt.

Back to the main travel overview: Osterholz.