Gilten: Church History and the Aller Cycle Route

Gilten is a holiday destination in the Aller-Leine Valley, where church history and mill history meet the Aller Cycle Route. St. Pauli Church, the manor and the recorded history of a watermill give the village several historical points of interest. Those who prefer to travel by bike can enjoy a 54-kilometre day circuit that leads from Schwarmstedt through woodland and meadows to Gilten.

Church, Manor and Mill History

The newly renovated St. Pauli Church preserves a sacristy dating from the time it was built and a unique floor made of river pebbles. Until 1775, the church served as the hereditary burial place of the Lords of Gilten.

Gilten Manor is also part of the village’s history: it forms part of a group of listed buildings. Another chapter concerns the original watermill of the Lords of Bothmer near Gilten. It was demolished in 1822; a Dutch-style windmill was to be built in its place. For culture-minded travellers, the church, manor and mill history offer different ways to explore Gilten’s past.

To Gilten Along the Aller Cycle Route

The 54-kilometre day circuit on the Aller Cycle Route starts in Schwarmstedt and leads through woodland and meadows to Gilten. The cycle route is 328 kilometres long in total and signposted throughout with the Aller Cycle Route logo.

The two figures refer to different distances: 54 kilometres is the length of the day circuit, while 328 kilometres is the length of the entire Aller Cycle Route. This helps you choose a tour to suit your plans, rather than confusing the length of the whole route with that of the specific circuit. The Heidekreis also has signposted routes stretching for many kilometres for cycling, hiking, Nordic walking and horse riding, leading to worthwhile destinations.

More to Explore in the Heidekreis

The Wilseder Berg is a distinctive landscape attraction in the wider Heidekreis destination. It is 169 metres high and the highest elevation in the North German Plain. Its surroundings are almost car-free: cars can only use access roads to car parks in places around the nature reserve; otherwise, visitors get around on foot or by bicycle. Check parking options before setting off.

There are other attractions in the Heidekreis for a family stay: Peppa Pig Land at Heide Park in Soltau offers gentle rides and family entertainment for younger children. These attractions offer a different kind of outing from the church history and cycle route that define Gilten. In the wider Heidekreis destination, Buhl Activity Park in Walsrode offers high-ropes courses and an 18-hole football golf course. Alongside the gentle rides in Soltau, visitors can therefore choose other activity options, including high-ropes courses and football golf.

Discover More Destinations

Am Krummen Winkel settlement, Buchholz, Walsrode, Hützel, Tewel, Schwarmstedt, Munster, Häuslingen

Back to the main travel overview: Heidekreis.