There are two truths about Lower Saxony; one: the best way to see it is on bicycle and the second: the food is some of the most delicious you will ever eat. So, it doesn’t take an advanced degree in rocket science to figure you’ll need a bicycle to get around Vienenburg; and you’ll eat pretty gosh darn well while you’re here. ;-)
I’m serious about the bicycle riding, even though Vienenburg has the oldest preserved train station in Germany (circa 1840’s) that also houses a railway museum.
Many of the town’s bicycle trails lead off towards the rustic Harz Mountains, through the Harly Forest, and nearby Bad Harzburg. I said the best way to see the place was by bike — I never said it would be a cake walk. ;-)
Within the Harly Forest are the remnants of the town’s original castle, well its moat anyway. Not too far from there is an observation tower (called Harlyturm) for anyone wanting a birds-eye view of the forested countryside.
Ride over to the Wöltingerode Abbey, which was a Benedictine Monastery in the late 12th century, before becoming a Cistercian Convent. Its church was built around the same period in the Romanesque style that was popular of the time. The Abbey complex has quite a few framework buildings that have survived the passage of time.
Vienenburg’s local history museum is a good idea if you want to see more of what life in a small German village was really like.
Today, Vienenburg is a modern town with art galleries, sailing, fishing, and an outdoor swimming pool for some fun. If you’ve done all this, it’s time to eat.
The area is known for Harzer Cheese, flavored with caraway. While the white colored cheese is a bit milder, expect the red colored cheese to be pretty pungent. Either way, the stuff is good so be adventurous and try some of them both.
Eat the Harzer Cheese with some Braunschweiger Wurst spread on some locally made pumpernickel bread. Lower Saxony is quite famous for them both and go great with a side of tomatoes.
Come to Vienenburg and you’ll see for yourself that I’m right about the two truths of Lower Saxony. ;-)
