The Harburg District offers easy access to the Black Mountains, the Elbe River Valley and the Lüneburg Heath. As you might imagine, it has become a popular recreational escape for the citizens of Hamburg to the north.
Harburg District Map
Towns & Villages in the Harburg District
- Appel
- Asendorf (Nordheide)
- Bendestorf
- Brackel
- Buchholz (Nordheide)
- Dohren (Nordheide)
- Drage (Elbe)
- Drestedt
- Egestorf
- Eyendorf
- Garlstorf
- Garstedt
- Gödenstorf
- Halvesbostel
- Handeloh
- Hanstedt (Nordheide)
- Harmstorf
- Heidenau (Nordheide)
- Hollenstedt
- Jesteburg
- Kakenstorf
- Königsmoor
- Marschacht
- Marxen
- Moisburg
- Neu Wulmstorf
- Otter
- Regesbostel
- Rosengarten (Harburg)
- Salzhausen
- Seevetal
- Stelle
- Tespe
- Toppenstedt
- Tostedt
- Undeloh
- Vierhöfen
- Welle
- Wenzendorf
- Winsen (Luhe)
- Wistedt
- Wulfsen
The district capital, Winsen (Luhe), is situated southeast of Hamburg on the Luhe River, a tributary of the Elbe. The 850-year-old town is rightfully proud of its gardens, holding flower shows and “Summer in the Park” festivals to showcase the beauty of its blooms.
While visiting, you will want to see the local castle, Winsener Schloss, rebuilt in the late 1500s upon the grounds of the 1299 original. It is the seat of the local district court and its chapel is open to the public for cultural events and weddings.
The district’s largest town is Buchholz in der Nordheide. Located just southwest of Hamburg, it is a growing suburban area, where modern culture and recreation take precedence over history.
Try hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, bicycle tours, swimming, golf, tennis or squash. Or go for culture in the form of theater, opera and musicals, Shopping is a favorite pastime here, too, with local markets held every Wednesday and Saturday.
Rapid transit and buses make it easy to get from Hamburg to other communities in the district, such as Neu Wulmstorf, Rosengarten and Seevetal, which includes Hittfeld and its 12th-century St. Mauritius church.
