Nienburg (Weser) is not only the capital of the Lower Saxony district of the same name, but also a culinary capital. There are three dishes that are specialties of the region: the Nienburg asparagus, smoked Weseraal fish, and bear paws.
The town of Nienburg has suffered through many wars during its history. It was involved in the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s and the Napoleonic Wars in 1803. These days, the city is less associated with battles and more with a certain vegetable.
Asparagus is especially important here. There is, of course, a museum dedicated to this special vegetable. And each May, an asparagus market held just outside the Church of Saint Martin is the main event.
What do you do at an asparagus fair? There’s plenty of games and sports, and the coronation of an asparagus queen. You can compete in an asparagus peeling competition or watch a presentation on the life of an asparagus plant, from its “childhood” as a seed until it reaches “adulthood” in the supermarket. The most popular event is the annual asparagus race for adults and children.
Nienburg offers something even for those who don’t like vegetables. Lovers of architecture will delight in the Old Town Hall, a 14th century structure that is one of the city’s oldest. The St Martin’s Church is the main religious landmark of the town with its tall tower.
Equally impressive are the many unusual sculptures that can be found here. There is another monument to (what else?) asparagus in 1998 bronze asparagus well sculpture by Helge Michael Breig. Another bronze highlight is the Kleine Nienburgerin, a statue of a young child from a beloved folk song.
There is also the fleeing trees sculpture, made of oak, which is a form of protest art against deforestation. Another artistic piece, the Widukindstatue on the church square celebrates the forgiveness and reconciliation of two enemies.
There is certainly no shortage of interesting monuments in Nienburg. ;-)
