Ahlerstedt — Bang For Your Reading Buck

Ahh, the beauty that’s the power of the pen (keyboard). You see, I started off getting to write about the town of Ahlerstedt, only to find out the place belongs to the Samtgemeinde (Collective Municipality) Harsefeld, so why not get more bang for your reading buck — and learn about all its villages?

Whether its Alhlerstedt, Harsefeld, Bargstedt, or Brest you’re sure to love everything there is about the place — even if it isn’t all that old, created on January 1, 2013.

Now, don’t let its new age fool ya, many of the places in (or around) Ahlerstedt are quite old.

Take Harsefeld Castle ,for example. The original castle was built more than a thousand years ago, and Kloster Harsefeld (an old Benedictine monastery) got its start over 900 years ago. Too bad it didn’t survive past the Thirty Years’ War conflict — although the former Abbey Church of Sts. Mary & Bartholomew is still standing.

My historical account is in no way as good as what you’ll get from one of the tour guides (in period garb, no less). In just about an hour-and-a-half, you’ll get a thousand years of history explained so much better.

Come to think of it, you’ll get a history a lot older than that if you’re visiting places like the Grabhügel Königsgrab, a Bronze Age grave only found around the turn of the 20th century. Ahh, the wonders that await in the Harsefeld-Stader Geest, wouldn’t you agree?

There are wonders that await just a bit closer to Ahlerstedt. Take the Elbe Radwanderwegbus to some of the prettiest orchards and farms, passing those half-timbered houses everyone loves so much. OK, maybe I’m the only one. ;-)

I loved the Klosterpark a lot, too. Not only is it a fun place for the whole family to enjoy on a regular day, the place really outdoes itself for special events like the Winter Magic (2nd weekend of December) with its booths selling crafts, its mulled wine, and its raffle prizes.

And on the third Sunday of September, there’s the Harsefelder Herbszauer, which is preceded by the Classic Open Air stage events every August.

These aren’t the only events held in Ahlerstedt and its environs. There’s the Music Festival every June, an Autumn Market in September, and a Schützenfest in both June and July. Sounds like a jolly good time for everyone, yes?

Let’s say it’s a quieter pursuit you’re looking for — good thing there are quite a number of cycling routes around Ahlerstedt, four of them to be exact, with names like the Monastery Route and Forest Route. They’re not all that tough, ranging from a mere 21km to a little more ambitious 50km — and they’re circular, so you’re not inclined to get lost. No biggie if you get tired, there are a couple of Bed & Bike Farms around to spend the night.

Sorry hikers, routes like the Steinbecktal (only 6km) won’t tucker you out too bad — but you’re always welcome to spend a night or two.

After all that’s to be found in and around Ahlerstedt, I think I need a rest…

 

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