Thanks to a couple of amateur “archaeologists” the small town of Kalefeld is really on the map. Yeah, sure, it was there before, but not to the extent of what it is now. Or, what is to come. I’ll explain…
A few years ago a huge Römisches Schlachtfeld (Roman Battlefield) was found on the Harzhorn, everything from arrowheads to coins were found from around the third century A.D.
Who were the Romans fighting? None other than some Germanic Tribe that didn’t like the Romans on their “turf.”
A trip to the Tourist Office in Bad Gandersheim (go figure) can arrange for English speaking guides if you want to tour around. Regular guided tours in German are readily available.
Besides, how about going to see Kalefeld’s 19th century Church of Our Lady, a stunning Neo-Gothic church? The town’s St. James Church isn’t that old, it didn’t come along until the 20th century — but you’re always welcome, ya know. Just as you are at the Chapel of St. Ulrich.
Churches and Romans aside, I’m glad that Kalefeld has a castle too. And a proper medieval one Burg Westerhof is, I can tell you that.
It’s so nice around here that camping is just what the doctor ordered. Not only can you pitch a tent for a night under the stars, but there’s also a volleyball court and miniature golfing to have a good time. The heated outdoor swimming pool only enhances the whole open air experience.
Best to save that for after you’ve tackled the Radwanderweg Westerhof, a nice cycling trail through the Lower Saxon countryside.
It’s so easy to forget how Kalefeld was totally devastated during the Thirty Years’ War from the looks of it today. No wonder it took so long for someone to find the Römische Schlachtfeld — they’re in awe of what’s there today. ;-)