Uelzen Travel Guide
Plan your Uelzen trip with our travel guide that includes everything from the best things to see and do, to where to stay, eat, and shop.
- Introduction to Uelzen
- List of Places to Visit in Uelzen
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Uelzen
- Best Things to Do in Uelzen: Activities and Tours
- Hundertwasser Train Tour
- Lüneburger Heide Safari
- Week-Long Itinerary for Uelzen
- Food and Drink Scene of Uelzen
- Where to Stay in Uelzen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Uelzen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Uelzen
- Best Time to Visit Uelzen
- Do’s and Don’ts of Uelzen
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Uelzen: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Uelzen
- Where to Go Next from Uelzen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Uelzen
Uelzen is a charming town located in the heart of Lüneburg Heath, in Lower Saxony, Germany, known for its timber-framed buildings, picturesque streets, and historical landmarks. Surrounded by vast forests and heathland, Uelzen offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you want to explore the town’s rich history, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Uelzen has plenty to offer.
List of Places to Visit in Uelzen
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Old Town with Hundertwasser Station
The Old Town of Uelzen is a treasure trove of history and architecture, boasting a stunning collection of timber-framed houses and medieval buildings. One of the most iconic landmarks in Uelzen is the Hundertwasser Station, a unique train station designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with its vibrant colors, uneven shapes, and playful designs.
Stadt- und Fachwerkmuseum
The Stadt- und Fachwerkmuseum is a charming museum located in a beautiful half-timbered house in the heart of Uelzen’s Old Town. The museum showcases the town’s history and culture, with fascinating exhibits on local crafts, traditions, and customs.
Lüneburg Heath Nature Park
The Lüneburg Heath Nature Park is a vast protected area covering over 1000 square kilometers of heathland, forests, and wetlands. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare species such as the European bison, and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Natural Attractions of Uelzen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Kloster Medingen
Kloster Medingen is a beautiful convent located in the heart of the Lüneburg Heath, surrounded by idyllic meadows and forests. The convent is home to a community of Benedictine nuns and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual renewal.
Hundertwasser Promenade
The Hundertwasser Promenade is a scenic walking path along the Ilmenau River, featuring colorful mosaic tiles, playful sculptures, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The promenade is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and kayaking.
Ebstorfer Heide
Ebstorfer Heide is a unique heathland landscape, characterized by its rolling hills, colorful heather meadows, and ancient burial mounds. The heathland is home to a rich assortment of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the sand lizard and the nightjar.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Uelzen
Uelzen is home to a vast network of hiking and cycling trails, offering a variety of landscapes and experiences. Some of the most popular routes include the Ilmenauradweg, a scenic cycling route along the Ilmenau River, and the Heidschnuckenweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Lüneburg Heath.
Best Things to Do in Uelzen: Activities and Tours
Hundertwasser Train Tour
The Hundertwasser Train Tour is a unique way to discover the town’s architecture and history, with a guided tour on a train decorated in the iconic style of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The tour takes visitors through the town’s scenic streets and landmarks, including the famous Hundertwasser Station.
Lüneburger Heide Safari
The Lüneburger Heide Safari is an exciting way to explore the Lüneburg Heath and its wildlife, with a guided tour on an open-top vehicle. The safari takes visitors through the heathland’s forests and meadows, offering stunning views of the landscape and the chance to spot rare species such as the European bison and the red deer.
Week-Long Itinerary for Uelzen
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Uelzen’s Old Town and Hundertwasser Station |
| 2 | Visit the Stadt- und Fachwerkmuseum |
| 3 | Walk along the Hundertwasser Promenade and Ilmenau River |
| 4 | Hike in the Ebstorfer Heide |
| 5 | Take a Lüneburger Heide Safari |
| 6 | Visit Kloster Medingen and its surroundings |
| 7 | Cycle along the Ilmenauradweg or Heidschnuckenweg |
Food and Drink Scene of Uelzen
Must-Try Dishes
Uelzen is known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine, with a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the town’s history and culture. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Grünkohl mit Pinkel: a hearty stew made with kale and smoked sausage.
- Heidschnuckenbraten: roasted heathland lamb served with potatoes and vegetables.
- Rote Grütze: a delicious dessert made with red berries and cream.
Local Beverages
Uelzen is also famous for its local beverages, with a range of beers and spirits that reflect the town’s brewing and distilling traditions. Some of the best local drinks include:
- Uelzer Bier: a refreshing, light beer made with local hops and malt.
- Heidjers Weizen: a delicious wheat beer with a fruity flavor and a crisp finish.
- Heidelerche: a locally produced liquor made with herbs and spices, with a spicy and aromatic taste.
Where to Stay in Uelzen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Uelzen offers a range of accommodation options for every budget and taste, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay include:
- Hotel Deutsche Eiche: a cozy and comfortable hotel located in the heart of Uelzen’s Old Town.
- Hotel-Pension Zur Hanse: a charming guesthouse with a beautiful garden and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Jugendherberge Uelzen: a modern and affordable hostel with clean and comfortable rooms.
What to Buy in Uelzen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Uelzen offers a variety of souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or mementos of your trip. Some of the best things to buy include:
- Uelzer Lebkuchen: a delicious gingerbread dessert made with local honey and spices.
- Tracht: traditional costumes and clothing from the Lüneburg Heath region.
- Local crafts: handmade pottery, woodcarvings, and textiles made by local artisans.
Local Culture and Customs of Uelzen
Uelzen has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of traditions and customs that reflect the town’s history and identity. One of the most important cultural events in Uelzen is the annual Heinrich-Heine festival, a celebration of poetry and literature that attracts visitors from all over Germany and beyond.
Best Time to Visit Uelzen
The best time to visit Uelzen is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the town comes alive with festivals and events. However, Uelzen is beautiful all year round, with its stunning landscapes and cozy atmosphere, and offers a unique experience in every season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Uelzen
Do:
- Explore the town’s beautiful Old Town and its historical landmarks.
- Take a hike or a bike ride through the scenic Lüneburg Heath.
- Try the local cuisine and drinks, and indulge in the town’s culinary delights.
- Take part in a cultural event or festival, and experience the town’s vibrant arts scene.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage the town’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Don’t underestimate the weather conditions, and be prepared for changes in temperature and precipitation.
- Don’t ignore the local customs and traditions, and show respect for the town’s history and culture.
Safety and Health
Safety in Uelzen
Uelzen is a safe and friendly town, with low levels of crime and violence. However, visitors should take the usual precautions to avoid theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.
Health in Uelzen
Uelzen has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals. Visitors from the EU can use their European Health Insurance Card to access free or reduced-cost healthcare, while non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance.
Getting to Uelzen: Transportation Options and Logistics
Uelzen is well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe, with easy access by road, rail, and air.
Airports Near Uelzen
The nearest airport to Uelzen is Hamburg Airport, located about 100km from the town. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to Uelzen, with regular connections throughout the day.
Bus Stations Near Uelzen
Uelzen has a bus station located in the town center, with regular connections to nearby towns and cities. Visitors can also take long-distance coaches from Hamburg or Berlin to Uelzen.
Other Options
Uelzen is easily accessible by car, with good road connections to the A7 motorway. Visitors can also take a train to Uelzen’s train station, which offers regular connections to Hamburg, Hanover, and other major cities.
How to Get Around in Uelzen
Uelzen is a compact town, with most attractions and landmarks located within walking distance from each other. Visitors can also rent a bike from one of the local bike rental shops, or take a bus or taxi to travel around the town and its surroundings.
Where to Go Next from Uelzen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Uelzen is a great starting point to explore the many attractions of Lower Saxony and Northern Germany, including the charming town of Lüneburg, with its medieval buildings and picturesque streets, and the historic city of Hamburg, with its vibrant cultural scene and iconic landmarks.
Conclusion
Uelzen is a hidden gem in the heart of Lower Saxony, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. From its picturesque Old Town and iconic Hundertwasser Station to its scenic hiking and biking routes and delicious local cuisine, Uelzen has something for everyone. Plan your trip today, and discover the beauty and charm of this wonderful town.
