Soltau Travel Guide (Lüneburg Heath/Lower Saxony/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Soltau

Soltau is a charming town located in Lüneburg Heath, in Lower Saxony, in Germany. It is known for its scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and many outdoor activities that draw visitors from all over the world. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Soltau.

List of Places to Visit in Soltau

Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Soltau:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Soltau Toy Museum
Felto Filzwelt Soltau
Museum Industriekultur Soltau
Soltau Town Hall and Market Square
St. John’s Church Soltau
Castle of Lüneburg Heath

Natural Attractions of Soltau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Heidepark Soltau
Soltau Therme
Wilseder Berg
Höpen Nature Reserve
Lüneburg Heath Wildlife Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Soltau

Soltau offers several picturesque hiking and biking routes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

Heidschnuckenweg
Soltau Panorama Route
Lüneburger Heide Cycle Path
Lüneburger Heide Nature Reserve Trail

Best Things to Do in Soltau: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Soltau:

Visit Heidepark Soltau, one of Germany’s largest amusement parks.
Take a dip in Soltau Therme, a natural mineral thermal spa.
Go for a hike or bike ride in the lush nature reserves and parks of Lüneburg Heath.
Admire the collections at Soltau Toy Museum or Felto Filzwelt Soltau.
Explore the local culture and traditions by visiting the town hall, market square, and historic castle.

Week-Long Itinerary for Soltau

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Soltau:

Day	Activities
Day 1	Arrive in Soltau, check-in to your hotel, explore Soltau Town Hall and Market Square
Day 2	Visit Castle of Lüneburg Heath, St. John’s Church Soltau, and Soltau Toy Museum
Day 3	Spend a day at Heidepark Soltau
Day 4	Enjoy a hike or bike ride in the nature reserves of Lüneburger Heide
Day 5	Relax at Soltau Therme and the Wilseder Berg
Day 6	Visit the Museum Industriekultur Soltau and Felto Filzwelt Soltau
Day 7	Depart from Soltau

Food and Drink Scene of Soltau

Soltau offers a fantastic food and drink scene, with many local specialties to try.

Must-Try Dishes

Pinkel: A sausage made with oatmeal and spices, typically served with kale and potatoes.
Grünkohl: A hearty dish of kale, sausages, and potatoes often served as a winter comfort meal.
Grog: A hot alcoholic beverage made with rum, water, sugar, and lemon.

Local Beverages

Local beer and wine can be found at many restaurants and bars in Soltau.
Try Apfelschorle, a refreshing apple juice mixed with sparkling water.

Where to Stay in Soltau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Soltau offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Heide Park Abenteuerhotel: A themed hotel located inside Heidepark Soltau.
Hotel MyLord: A cozy hotel with a traditional atmosphere.
Amselhof: A family-friendly guesthouse with a spacious garden.

What to Buy in Soltau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back from Soltau:

Lüneburg Heath honey
Handicrafts made of wool and felt
Local beer or wine
Local snacks like sausage

Local Culture and Customs of Soltau

Soltau has a rich culture and traditions that visitors should be aware of. Some cultural practices include:

Taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Being punctual and respecting people’s time.
Respecting the environment and being responsible for your litter.

Best Time to Visit Soltau

The best time to visit Soltau is from May to September when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Soltau

Do:

Respect local traditions and culture.
Try local food and beer.
Explore the lush nature reserves and parks.

Don’t:

Litter or damage the environment.
Be late for appointments.
Wear shoes inside someone’s home.

Safety and Health

Safety in Soltau

Soltau is a safe town to visit, but it’s always good to exercise caution while traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables safe.

Health in Soltau

Germany has a high standard of healthcare, and Soltau has several clinics and hospitals in case of emergencies.

Getting to Soltau: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Soltau, including:

Airports Near Soltau

Hamburg Airport: Approximately 80 km from Soltau.
Hanover Airport: Approximately 90 km from Soltau.

Bus Stations Near Soltau

Soltau Bus Station: Located in the town center.
HVV Bus Station: Located near Soltau Therme.

Other Options

Car rental: Many car rental companies are available at airports and train stations.
Train: Soltau has its own train station that connects to nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Soltau

The best way to get around Soltau is by car or bike. Taxis and public transportation are also available.

Where to Go Next from Soltau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore more of Lower Saxony and beyond, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

Lüneburg: A charming medieval town famous for its architecture and scenery.
Bremen: A beautiful city with a rich maritime history.
Hanover: The vibrant capital of Lower Saxony, known for its museums, parks, and galleries.

Conclusion

Soltau is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan an unforgettable trip to Soltau and explore everything this charming town has to offer.