In Henstedt-Ulzburg you have to get out your walking shoes to really have a look at anything. The town is scattered to the four winds, and each section is a bit separated from the others.
However, the walking around isn’t really a bad thing as the region is very beautiful thanks to the two rivers running through the district.
The Alster and the Pinnau rivers both have their source in Henstedt-Ulzburg, slicing up the rolling hills. The head of the Alster in particular is well-marked and decorated with some commemorative ironwork scrolling. It’s a very pleasant walk to go up the banks and see the small stone bridge, iron plaques and pools that make up the beginning of the river.
This walk is one of many trails around this town. Because the town is actually a set of smaller hamlets brought together by German municipal reform, residents are always going from one place to another so there are many good walking paths.
You can try Nordic Walking, too, as the rolling hills of the moors around the rivers provide a chance for a good challenge while not being too challenging.
As you walk between the buildings of Henstedt-Ulzburg, you will want to especially be sure to stop at a few points. In the Henstedt area stop by the church, in Rhen the school parks, in Ulzburg the town hall, and in Götzberg see the 150 year old windmill. If it seems like you’ll really be running from place to place just remember that none of the villages are more than 3 miles from each other.
You’ll also have the chance to photograph the homes and gardens in Henstedt-Ulzburg. Each area has its own character, and some of the farmsteads are hundreds of years old. Locals are happy to chat and show off gardens that first grew in the 30 Years War.
The whole feeling is one of peace and the rivers make you seem quite at one with nature, even though you are only a few short train stops away from Hamburg.
