Thrilling escapes: Heath, Sea, Dinosaur trails: Nine getaways in Lower Saxony
Lower Saxony Yields havens: Nine Dinosaur Sanctuaries by the Sea named Heide - Refugees in Lower Saxony: Nine Individuals Found with Possible links to Dinosaur Teeth, the Sea, and Heide Region
Have an adventure-filled time exploring Lower Saxony! Here's our pick of breathtaking retreats, suitable for nature lovers, families, seniors, and active holidaymakers. Discover the charm and beauty of this region and make lasting memories on these unforgettable journeys.
Sankt Andreasberg, Harz
Take a thrilling ride on the famous summer toboggan run, hike up scenic trails, or test your skills on the high ropes course. Silver ore was once mined in the Samson pit, now a UNESCO World Heritage site! With countless trails for hiking and mountain biking, the Upper Harz region offers endless outdoor fun and adventures for all ages.
- Who’s it for? Nature and active holidaymakers, families, seniors.
- How long? Three to five days.
- Getting there: Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Hannover; the train takes twice as long. Other nearby towns include Braunlage (20 minutes away) and Magdeburg (also around 1.5 hours by car).
Neuwerk, Wattenmeer
Discover this tiny island in the Wadden Sea, teeming with nature and wildlife! With just 40 inhabitants, you'll likely meet few others during your visit. Stock up on supplies at the lighthouse shop, run by the friendly Hartmut Lange. Its low population makes a delightful escape for couples, families, seniors, or solo travelers.
- Who’s it for? Nature lovers, walkers, families, couples, seniors.
- How long? One to two days.
- Getting there: Ferry from Cuxhaven in just under two hours; or trek on foot in three hours.
Lüneburger Heide
Feast your eyes on the rolling landscapes of the Lüneburger Heide, twice the size of Mallorca! With over 60 hiking trails, visitors can experience the peaceful beauty of the heathland, lakes, and the vibrant birdlife that call this area home. Perhaps you'll even encounter an artist displaying their work during the annual "Heidekultour" in the spring.
- Who’s it for? Everyone.
- How long? One to three days.
- Getting there: Minutes by car from Lüneburg to Bispingen; from Hamburg to Egestorf in an hour by car; from Hannover to Schneverdingen in just under 90 minutes.
Greetsiel, Ostfriesland
A picturesque town bordering the Wadden Sea offers a serene escape! With numerous waterways, use a kayak or canoe to explore the area at your leisure. Take a boat trip to Leyhörn for birdwatching or marvel at the charm of Greetsiel’s brick-red buildings and Dutch windmills. Unfortunately, there's no campsite, but there's a motorhome parking area for 50 vehicles.
- Who’s it for? Couples, seniors, and nature lovers.
- How long? One to three days.
- Getting there: 275 kilometers from Hannover; by car: 3.5 hours, by train: 4.5 hours. Other nearby towns include Bremen (150 kilometers or under two hours by car, three hours by train).
In Oldenburg, visitors can marvel at the grandeur of the former residence's Nordic-nuanced castle and princes' palace in the city center, explore the old town's roads, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of the student city, like the Oldenburg State Theatre and the Horst Janssen Museum. Oldenburg's famous national dish, cabbage, also has a unique charm and tastes best here during the winter.
- Who’s it for? Couples, families.
- How long? Two to three days.
- Getting there: 40 minutes by train from Bremen; two hours by car from Hannover; Hamburg and Munster are each about 160 kilometers away.
Heide Park Soltau
Step up for a day of thrilling rides and attractions at Heide Park, the second-largest leisure park in Germany! With more than 40 rides and roller coasters, it's the perfect spot for families, couples, and young people. Plus, the park offers a hotel, camping and cabin sites, and countless snack stands, making it an unforgettable getaway.
- Who’s it for? Families, couples, young people.
- How long? One to two days.
- Getting there: The Heide Park can be accessed by car and train. It takes approximately an hour by car from Hannover and Hamburg, or two hours by train. From Magdeburg, it's two and a half hours by car.
Emden
Explore the charm of Emden, where the Ostfriese heritage lives! Hop aboard a boat to navigate the city's harbor, Dollart, or North Sea. Famous residents of this city include Otto Waalkes, Wolfgang Petersen, Henri Nannen, and Karl Dall. Two of these names have cultivated museums in the city: the Kunsthalle (founded by Nannen) and the Otto House. Meet the world's largest Ottifant crashing through the brick wall in the latter museum.
- Who’s it for? North Sea lovers, families, seniors.
- How long? Two to three days.
- Getting there: 1.5 hours by car from Bremen; 2.5 hours by train or car from Munster; Hannover is 250 kilometers away.
Weserbergland
Travel through fairy-tale landscapes in Lower Saxony, home to numerous majestic castles and settings for traditional tales. The region also boasts quiet spa towns, where you can unwind and indulge in thermal baths. Four spa towns, Bad Pyrmont, Bad Nenndorf, Bad Salzuflen, and Bad Oeynhausen, are all within a radius of less than an hour’s drive.
- Who’s it for? Everyone: young, old, adventure-seekers, and those seeking tranquility.
- How long? One to five days.
- Getting there: Bad Oeynhausen and Bad Salzuflen are about an hour’s drive from Hannover. From Bielefeld to Hamelin takes about the same time (also by train). The journey is worth the destination!
Dinosaurs and more: Exploring the Geopark Terra Vita
Venture back in time to meet dinosaurs as you walk the trails of the UNESCO Geopark Terra Vita, located near Osnabrück. Stretching from the Teutoburg Forest to the Wiehen Hills, this area showcases 100 natural monuments and geological phenomena, including springs, canyons, erratic boulders, ancient quarries, and ancient traces up to 300 million years old. Don’t miss out on the stunning views from the Hermann's Tower in Georgsmarienhütte.
- Who’s it for? Nature enthusiasts of all ages.
- How long? One to three days.
- Getting there: Georgsmarienhütte is approximately 30 minutes by car and 45 minutes by train from Osnabrück – about 1.5 hours to reach Hannover and Barkhausen.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding travel to Lower Saxony, as various locations offer unique experiences tailored to diverse lifestyles. For instance, home-and-garden enthusiasts might take inspiration from the vibrant art scene in Oldenburg, while those seeking an adventure in nature could explore the UNESCO Geopark Terra Vita, home to ancient landscapes and dinosaur trails.
