Not too much went on in the Lower Saxony town of Emmerthal from when people first moved here 60,000 years ago until around the Middle Ages. Well, I mean people lived, worked, and toiled the soil but, not all that much remains from all those light years ago.
The serfs, counts, and barons worked to build most of the sites that you’re able to see when you come to this village and all seventeen of her shires.
One of the most frequented of places is Schloss Hämelschenburg, which you could consider to be one of the most beautiful of Renaissance castles. It’s open to tourists from April to October; and you’ll be totally stunned at all the intricate artwork and its opulence. It’s exterior is one of the most unique of any castle you will ever see — it’s hard to explain, you just gotta see it!
Burg Ohsen is another one of Emmerthal’s castles but that’s a more traditional style looking castle. I’m not advising not to check it out, but it does pale in comparison to Hämelschenburg (that also holds musical concerts).
During the Thirty Years’ War that raged on for 30 years in 1618-1648 (uh, sorry not that you couldn’t figure that one out on your own) many of Germany’s towns, churches, and castles were totally destroyed.
Not here in Emmerthal. For reasons unknown Emmerthal’s Marienkirche, built in 1563, was totally spared. It still stands to this very day.
As striking as the town’s medieval beauty is, it is overshadowed by the region’s natural beauty. Emmerthal lies within the Naturpark Weserbergland, a forested area that’s filled with all sorts of treats. Within the forest you’ll find many walking paths, cycling trails, golf, caves, and a chance to even go rock climbing.
Don’t let winter stop you from enjoying the Weserbergland — there’s always skiing or anything else you can do when the white powder falls. But, the area is so pretty in the Spring & Summer when all the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Come to think of it… Emmerthal’s natural beauty has been going on all these light years — even if people haven’t been around to see it. Too bad!
