Neuenkirchen-Vörden’s neighbor of Bersenbrück might have a bunch of churches and a13th century monastery; but you’ll find the best place to be here in this town is in the countryside.
I ain’t saying this place isn’t old; it’s just that the Lower Saxon countryside steals the show.
Located right at the foot of the Dammer Berge, this mountainous region has many hiking trails, as well as more flat land (you know, like pastures and meadows) for easier bike riding. Plus the view from the observation tower is pretty spectacular.
Don’t like heights? The nearby moorlands are always a good bet.
And Neuenkirchen-Vörden has earned its rightful place on the Lower Saxon Mill Route, a German scenic route that highlights the very best of wind and water mills. Whatever the case, it’s the Seling Windmill (a Gallery Dutch, by the way) that you’ll want to see.
Another scenic route is the Pickerweg, a hiking trail that runs from Wildeshausen and Osnabrück.
Even Neuenkirchen-Vörden’s swimming area is meant to be like a “natural environment.” Don’t you just love creative wording? What that means is: the Naturbad Vörden is just like swimming in a lake.
Oh yeah, lakes. The Dümmer See is a quiet kind of place with trails that lead around to where you’ll find rare plants and flowers. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see some endangered reptiles too, but there are plenty of birds if you want to do the whole bird watching thing.
If it’s an exciting lake you’re looking for then it’s the Alfsee that you want. Waterskiing anyone? No way, not me, I’m old. Is it possible to break a hip on water? That would so put a damper on the rest of anyone’s time in Neuenkirchen-Vörden. ;-)
I’ll stick to a more conservation activity, like going to see a restored mid-19th century (1840 to be exact) farmhouse.
Oh, who am I kidding — that waterskiing sounds great!
