Discover Eickeloh: Ferry, history and accommodation

Eickeloh sparks interest with prehistoric traces, the history of the Old Church and a Gierseil ferry across the Aller. These themes offer different perspectives: local history on the one hand, and an active tour along the river on the other. When looking for accommodation, you can decide whether cultural history or cycling and hiking should play a bigger part in your stay.

Archaeological traces in the landscape

Three burial mounds in mixed heather and pine woodland are considered the last remnants of what was probably once a larger burial mound field. The cautious reference to its former size is important: the mounds point to a larger context, the extent of which is only conjectured. For anyone interested in archaeological landscapes, this offers a different perspective from that of a single find: here, several burial mounds shape the picture handed down to us.

Another archaeological link is a Neanderthal hand axe found in Eickeloh. It bears witness to the early prehistoric use of the Eickeloh/Hademstorf area. Taken together, the find and the burial mounds tell of different traces: the hand axe is a single artefact, while the mounds are regarded as the last remnants of a presumably larger burial site. This takes the view from an early find to traces preserved in the landscape.

The Old Church and local history

The Church of the Holy Cross, now known as the Old Church in Eickeloh, was donated to the citizens of Eickeloh by Heinrich von Hodenberg in 1296. When a larger church was built on a new site in 1887, the von Hodenberg family converted the Old Church into a family crypt. Two clearly dated phases thus stand side by side: its founding as a church and its later conversion into a family crypt. This change of function adds another dimension to local history and complements the archaeological perspective with the story of a church building.

Wartenberg is also connected with the history of the local population. During the Thirty Years’ War and the Second World War, it served as a hiding place for the people of Eickeloh from enemy troops. The fact that the same place played this role during two different wars draws attention to the experiences of the local population, not just to finds and buildings. Eickeloh’s history thus spans from prehistoric times to the consequences of later conflicts.

Crossing the Aller on the Gierseil ferry

The Eickeloh Gierseil ferry crosses the Aller between the banks at Eickeloh and Grethem. It is propelled solely by the force of the water current. For cyclists and hikers on the Aller Cycle Route, the crossing can be a highlight of their tour along the Aller. The movement of the water is not merely a backdrop; it powers the ferry itself. The river crossing is therefore the focus of this experience—a different emphasis from the town’s historical themes.

Crossings for groups of 15 or more are possible by prior arrangement. If you would like to plan a crossing at a public operating time, check in advance with the ferry operator for the scheduled times.

More to discover in the wider Heidekreis destination

The wider Heidekreis destination has more to offer for a range of interests. Peppa Pig Land at Heide Park in Soltau has gentle rides and family entertainment for younger children. The Big 7 at Heide Park include the roller coasters Colossos, Krake and Scream. For those interested in culture, Walsrode Abbey offers a distinct attraction: it is the oldest of the famous Heath monasteries. The Heidekreis also has miles of signposted routes for cycling, hiking, Nordic walking and horse riding; individual routes may change. The Heidekreis thus brings together a range of regional highlights: family entertainment, monastic history and active routes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hademstorf, Grethem.

Back to the main travel overview: Samtgemeinde Ahlden / Hodenhagen.