Discover Ummern: Village History and Telecommunications Tower

Ummern combines the character of a historic circular village with a predominantly agricultural setting. The village was founded at a site that appears to have been settled earlier. Building history and local festival traditions offer further insights into the village’s development.

A historic circular village

The smallholders’ houses, built after the fire of 1790, were the reason Ummern was added to the list of artistic monuments of the former district of Celle in 1970. The first marksmen’s festival in Ummern took place in 1707. The village’s building history and festival traditions thus highlight different aspects of its past.

Landmark and rural character

A prominent landmark is the 120 m-high telecommunications tower. Built in 1970/72, it is clearly visible. Natural features near Ummern include Herzogsbrunnen, a natural spring. Agriculture also shapes the village, including the cultivation of grain, potatoes and sugar beet, as well as dairy farming; maize cultivation is increasing.

Landscape and activities in the South Heath

The South Heath is mostly flat and offers themed cycling routes and nature trails. Walks lead through heathland, meadows, fields and forests. Cycling along a themed route and walking through different landscapes offer distinct ways to spend time outdoors.

The airfield is located on the edge of the South Heath near Ummern. When the weather is good, gliding is offered there on weekends from March to October. If gliding is part of your travel plans, check what is available before you arrive.

Regional specialities and more to explore

Regional specialities of the South Heath include asparagus, blueberries and Lüneburg Heath potatoes. In Ummern, Gasthaus Thölke is the oldest surviving establishment. If you are planning a visit, please check its current opening hours.

The wider destination of Gifhorn

The wider destination of Gifhorn also has its own landscape and cultural highlights. Gifhorn district encompasses heathland, forests, moorland, rivers and lakes. The district is home to the Drömling, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The International Wind and Watermill Museum in Gifhorn has 13 full-size original mills from around the world. At the OTTER-ZENTRUM in Hankensbüttel, visitors can observe otters, badgers, stoats and stone martens in enclosures modelled on their natural habitats.

The cycling network in Gifhorn district also offers a wider regional framework: it comprises around 700 kilometres of leisure cycling routes, plus around 550 kilometres of everyday routes with connecting sections. This is a different level of planning from the themed cycling routes in the South Heath. Around 400 signposted junctions can be combined to create individual cycling routes. You can use the district-wide network to plan your own route.

Choose accommodation based on your destinations

If you are visiting several places, choose your accommodation’s location based on the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Bokensdorf, Wittingen, Calberlah, Vordorf, Obernholz, Hagen, Brome, Müden

Go to the wider travel overview: Gifhorn.