It can be quite funny at times when history meets politics, like in the case of Bienenbüttel and its surrounding region, where some hamlets have the same name and political authorities just gave them #1 and #2 for distinctive purposes.
Speaking of Eitzen I and Eitzen II, which are just a few horse minutes apart from each other.
What the hell! I’m two paragraphs into this — and now I’m confused as to where I am. Thank Heaven for GPS. ;-)
Seriously, Bienenbüttel is actually a pretty cool place in the Lüneburg Heath along the Ilmenau River. In fact, the area lies within a nature conservation area — so please tread carefully, OK?
Speaking of treading, Bienenbüttel is known for its Skulpturenpfad (that’s a Sculpture Trail) that’s 4.5 kilometers long that highlights a dozen sculptures made from all sorts of different materials, and by just as many artists.
What else is there to do in town? In the village of Borsen you’ll find prehistoric graves right close to 18th century homesteads. Stop by the Cemetery Chapel too while you’re out there.
There are more prehistoric graves in the village of Edendorf, one of which is known as the Großsteingrab. This is a picturesque hamlet of just over 300 people, so maybe you’ll get to meet some of the locals.
Ahh, you’ll meet them at the local Flea Market that’s held at the end of March; or the Easter Bonfire, or the really fun Tanz in den Mai. This last one, known as the Dance into May, is held on April 30th — with lots and lots of dancing going on.
Darn, my feet hurt now. Well, I guess I’ll have to just lounge around the Waldbad, a heated forest outdoor pool. The kids will love this! It’s got a kid’s pool and play area, a beach volleyball court, and a diving board and miniature waterfalls.
Bah, who cares if Germany isn’t all that inventive about its town’s names. It has mighty castles, wonderful scenery, and ancient history; all wrapped up neatly in places like Bienenbüttel. :-)
