In order to fully appreciate Faßberg in Lower Saxony, you have to understand a bit about German history. More specifically, 20th century history.
From June 24, 1948 to May 12, 1949, the divided city of Berlin was cut off from the West’s major routes by the surrounding Soviet occupied East Germany. West Germany wasn’t having its people cut off from supplies, thus starting what became the Berlin Air Lift.
What’s this got to do with Faßberg? You know I’m going to have an answer for you — Faßberg’s Berlin Airlift Memorial. This isn’t some mere monument with the dates of this year-long issue. Some 450 flights a day took off from the town’s Air Base, which is why a C47 airplane is parked right here.
Ahh, my dear friends, the history lesson of Faßberg doesn’t end here. In 1438 the Watermill was built to process corn and other goods. Today it produces energy, as well as serving as a library, a wedding venue, and tourist office.
What other historical sites are there to see? I think the St. Lawrence Church definitely falls in that category. Despite its wooden tower, the inside is all decorated in brick and stone. A far call from its original plan back in 866 — as it was rebuilt in 1217.
Not one just to ponder the history of a place? OK, here’s the skinny on the countryside. Faßberg is located totally within the Lüneburg Heath, plenty of little farmhouses, all neatly packaged around hiking and cycling trails.
Even the Alte Friedhof (Old Cemetery) is a nice stop along the way. It is the final resting place of German painter Fritz Flebbe, and writer Felicitas Rose.
Faßberg’s Heidesee lake is another spot to enjoy the local flora and fauna, not to mention all the boaters that flock to the lake for a day of fun.
You gotta come back on land sometime, right? Make it a Friday. From 7:30am to 1pm, Faßberg holds its Weekly Market where you can buy everything from fruits to fish — all the while pondering Faßberg’s long history.
