Technically, one could say that the Lower Saxon town of Werlte started with three houses in its hamlet of Ratsdorf. But, that wouldn’t be quite true. Why? Because there’s been artifacts found in the village of Lorup since the Stone Age. In fact, there’s a megalith found nearby that dates back to around 3,500 B.C.
Ohhh, don’t you just love that? Kind of makes the medieval village of Lahn seem downright “wet behind the ears,” huh? ;-)
But seriously, Werlte isn’t just a town of old rocks. It’s got a castle nearby, awesome local cuisine, a nature reserve lake, and even a Biblical Garden. Ohhhh, don’t you just love THAT?
The castle near Werlte is the Castle Clemenswerth, which houses the Emsland Museum. It’s also got a restaurant and Baroque gardens. You just can’t visit during the winter months, though, since it’s only open to visitors from April 1 to October 31.
Hungry? Try the Bookweiten Janhinnerk, a buckwheat & egg concoction served with apple sauce, or the Echter Werlter Korn (don’t try to say it, just try it!).
Bird watchers will no doubt love the Silbersee or Silver Lake. This is quite a picturesque bird sanctuary that’s best enjoyed by bicycle or just plain old foot power.
Other cycling and walking trails lead off through the flat Emsland countryside and Eleonora Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand Dutchman windmill, too!
In keeping with the nature theme, it’s St. Sixtus that you want to see. Of course, a church this old would be filled with all sorts of wonderful artwork. But, this church is home to fantastic Biblical Garden that grows some 80 species of plants specifically named in the bible.
