Oh, sure Bavaria is the most visited region, Baden-Württemberg has the mystic Black Forest, and North Rhine-Westphalia has the romantic Westphalian Windmill Route, but what does Lower Saxony have?
For one, it has Cremlingen. Despite a bit of ugly 20th century history, this town is so more than that and deserves. It’s also quite easy to get here with frequent rail service to the the village of Schandelah from Magdeburg and Brunswick.
Many who lived within the last 60 years or so, might remember it more for its subcamp of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp (open May 1944-April 1945) in the village of Schandelah. Visitors to Cremlingen should consider a visit here, just as many of its survivors make an annual trek. The grave fields are quite somber, and you’ll find a few memorial stones dedicated to those who didn’t make it to the camp’s liberation.
Of course Cremlingen’s history goes much further back than only the 20th century. You’ll find at least 10 4th, 5th, and 6th century grave hills within Hemkenrode and even older fossils have been found around these parts.
Not to mention, all eight local villages of Cremlingen date back to at least the Middle Ages and they got the churches to prove it (two of the oldest come from the early and mid 1300’s). You’ll also find an romantic 18th century windmill that makes for a great photo to bring home.
But, it’s the natural that makes Cremlingen UNIQUELY special. Thermal springs were found here (by accident) around the time of the Second World War. Cremlingers for some reason tried to shore off the natural flow of water, to no avail. Now, once an hour the geyser of water goes off like clockwork. Consider it the German version of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful!
For more calmer water, visit the Monk’s Pond. Once on the site of a Cistercian Monastery, anyone and everyone can enjoy a picnic outside by the water. A ride on the bicycle around the pond or around town is the perfect way to see it all.
Even if you only use your own two feet, it’s still perfect here. Not?
