Discover Uelzen

Uelzen offers discoveries ranging from art at the railway station and medieval imagery to heathland, mills and waterscapes. The different highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests: would you like to explore architecture and the city’s history, historic sites in the district, or nature and outdoor activities?

Art and city history in Uelzen

The Hundertwasser railway station in Uelzen was created as a project for Expo 2000, the world exhibition in Hanover. It brings together art, ecology and modernity, and is one of the last works by Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. From the station forecourt, the “Path of Stones” leads into Uelzen’s city centre; 21 artistically painted rock sculptures line the route. This makes it possible to experience station art and art in public spaces as two distinct aspects of a visit.

The Gothic St. Mary’s Church also makes a striking impression: its tower is 86 metres tall. The church was consecrated and elevated to parish church status in 1292. The “Nige Hus” of the Ratsweinhandlung offers another glimpse into the city’s history. Built around 1500 as an extension to the Old Town Hall, it served as the town council’s wine and beer cellar. To this day, the Ratsweinhandlung is a good place to stop for lovers of fine wines.

World map, castle and historic crafts

The Ebstorf Map is housed at Ebstorf Monastery. It was probably created around 1300, covers about 13 m² and is considered the largest known medieval map of the world. From 1 April to 31 October, the monastery offers guided tours lasting around 90 minutes, with explanations of the map. The set season and approximate duration give these tours a different character from a visit centred mainly on a self-guided tour.

Bodenteich Castle is the only castle in the district of Uelzen, although only parts of it survive; it was founded around 1250. It was restored between 1983 and 1988. Today, it houses the tourist information office, the citizens’ service office and the castle museum. Since the Hösseringen Museum Village was founded in 1975, a total of 30 historic buildings have been brought together there. In Suhlendorf stands “Auguste”, the Handicrafts Museum’s post mill, which is more than 200 years old. A demonstration of the milling process can be arranged by prior agreement. The castle, museum village and mill each offer a different focus—from a partly preserved complex and historic buildings to a working process that can be demonstrated.

Heathland, river and activities on the water

The Ellerndorf Juniper Heath lies between Eimke and Ebstorf in the district of Uelzen. Covering almost 60 hectares, it is the largest continuous heathland area in the eastern Lüneburg Heath. The approximately 120-kilometre Ilmenau Cycle Route offers a different perspective on the landscape. It follows the Ilmenau from its headwaters in the district of Uelzen to its confluence with the Elbe at Hoopte. The Ilmenau itself is formed south of Bad Bevensen, near Uelzen, where the Gerdau and Stederau rivers meet; after 107 kilometres, it flows into the Elbe at Hoopte, near Winsen an der Luhe.

There are other options for excursions to suit different interests in activity and nature. Oldenstadt Lake is a popular spot for walking, jogging and swimming in summer. Leisure activities on the water are possible on the heathland rivers and the Elbe Lateral Canal. At the Uelzen lock complex near Esterholz, visitors can watch ships entering and leaving the locks from two viewing platforms. Locks I and II are located between Uelzen and Wittingen, near Esterholz on the Elbe Lateral Canal. At the Uelzen wildlife enclosure in the town forest, native animal species, the Uelzen eagle owl and a raised viewing platform for visitors combine with walking trails and running routes. In Bad Bevensen, the Jod-Sole-Therme offers thermal iodine brine water at 32°C and a water surface area of more than 1,000 m².

Expert commentary can also help you discover the region: tours around Uelzen cover botanical, geological and historical features, as well as archaeological sites. If you are planning a trip with children, you can choose activities around shared interests—from wildlife watching and ships at the locks to mill crafts, art or history—without having to follow a fixed programme.

Choose the right base for your trip

Check which locations would make suitable starting points for the places you plan to visit. The district of Uelzen is easy to reach by rail, including via the main Hamburg–Hanover line, by water along the Elbe Lateral Canal and via federal roads.

Discover more destinations

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

For the overarching travel overview: Lower Saxony.