The town of Wathlingen can be a bit confusing. There’s the town of Wathlingen, and then there’s the Collective Municipality of Wathlingen, the latter of which more than triples the size of the first Wathlingen in terms of area.
Great… now I just confused everyone (don’t you just hate when that happens?). Which Wathlingen was I talking about? ;-)
Doesn’t matter, it’s all the same anyhow. The town of Wathlingen is made up of the three villages of Wath, Nienhagen, and Adelsheidsdorf. This latter one has been called the “green oasis” of Wathlingen, made up mostly of forests and meadows. Horses are big business here, where you’ll find everything from riding schools to stud farms.
Nienhagen is the party animal of the bunch, home to Wathlingen’s Easter and Christmas Markets, plus the annual Wine Festival and Hagenmarkt. It’s got its historical stuff going on too, with a Local History Museum (only open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month). But, mostly everyone comes for Nienhagen’s sports — everything from hiking to watersports to football.
A charming spot in Nienhagen is at the Village Center along Herzogin-Agnes-Platz, framed by tall trees and quaint shops. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the outdoor pool and tennis courts.
Wath, or as they say in Low German Wateln, is the spot to be for the annual Music Festival in July (Nienhagen isn’t the only place that knows how to have a good time). No wonder its motto is Wath, klingt gut! That’s “Wath, sounds good” for the non-German speakers out there.
Ahh, some things don’t need any translation — and Wathlingen can be enjoyed no matter what your mother tongue is. And if you’ve managed to find a quiet hiking trail along the neighboring Lüneburg Heath, no talking is even necessary.
Still, you’ll manage to find someone who’ll talk to you about the St. Mary Church (1322) and the old Potash Mining area if you want. Take the Potash Train & Trolley for that.
You know, there’s no need to be confused about Wathlingen after all this — and it sure does sound very good!
