How many times have we sat around the kitchen table looking for something to do right in our own backyards? None? Oh, it’s only me, right?
Well, however many of us actually do that — I don’t think the people in Elze ever get to ask themselves that question, because there always seems to be something going on there.
I mean, for real, even just walking down the streets in Elze is a delight. You’ll think so too when you get a glimpse of Marienburg Castle high up on the hillside.
Schloss Marienburg was once the summer residence of King George V of Hanover and his wife Marie. This was just their summer house, and it rivals any Hohenzollern castle in Germany. Take a guided palace tour and look for yourself if you don’t believe me. ;-)
Marienburg isn’t the only castle that can be seen around here. Poppenburg Castle is another one — this one built just shy of a thousand years ago.
Elze’s Old Town might not have anything that old, but it does have many framework houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. They make great photos if anything!
In the former mill there’s Elze’s Heritage Museum. It’s only open every Tuesday from 10am-noon and Sundays from 3pm-5pm. However, if you call ahead you could get yourself a private appointment.
If you’re the art loving type, the churches in Elze’s villages are the best. In Sorsum there’s a 12th century chapel, but it’s the 14th century former monastery church in Wittenburg everyone comes to see. Today, it’s part church and part event hall.
During the summer, everyone comes to the town’s outdoor swimming pool that also has a water slide, a beach volleyball court, basketball court, table tennis, and a sandbox.
Here at the pool is where Elze holds its “End of Summer Holidays” shindig. Come for a night swim with live music playing — it is a good time to be had by everyone.
And I don’t think you’ll hear “I’m bored” by anyone! ;-)