Do you have any idea of what I love most about Lower Saxony? The food. Yeah, German cuisine is kind of like British food, it doesn’t get the respect it truly deserves (sorry, Britain, but not everyone appreciates bangers & mash as much as I do).
But this time I’m not talking about German food like bratwurst and sauerkraut. I’m talking about the freshest fruits and veggies — straight from the farms in places like Wesendorf.
There’s something truly delightful (and healthy) when you know exactly where your food comes from — and there’s something remarkably pretty about sprawling farms with rows of asparagus, cucumbers, and strawberries. It’s a burst of color that’ll make your mouth water.
Good thing Wesendorf is also a delightful place to spend some time outdoors. A couple of tumuli from both the Stone and Bronze Ages have been found around here; and wouldn’t it be a fantastic to find one yourself?
Going out to look for prehistoric graves isn’t the only thing to do while you’re outdoors. Come see the Sacred Grove, an area part of the Lüneburg Heath. It’s easy to see why the Junipers inspired artists like Hermann Löns.
For me the inspiration comes in places where old castles once stood, like Burg Wahrenholz. Close your eyes and it’s easy to hear the clanking of medieval armor, the clopping of horse hooves, and the whispers of courtly love.
Not everyone gets excited about what was, but what is. So, for that let’s talk about Wesendorf’s brilliant festivals. The Osterfeuer is always a goodie, and the Maypole celebrations are a lovely way to usher in Spring. My favorites of the town’s cultural events are in the cooler months — Oktoberfest and the Christmas Market.
What’s great about Wesendorf is the fun doesn’t end here. There is an annual Fisherman’s Festival, and there’s a Harvest Festival in September. If you’re not able to make either one, the Kartoffelfest (Potato Festival) is another September event that’s loads of fun, too.
After you’re well-fed (again), come around to see one of the town’s half-timbered houses, its Miniature Fire Brigade Museum, or stroll along its tidy streets in search of charming thatched roof cottages. And you’ll even find Wesendorf meets up with a charming scenic route, the Lower Saxon Mill Route, thanks to its watermill, originally built in 1425.
From here it’s off on one of the hiking trails and the nearby Großes Moor Nature Reserve. Care to join me, we’ll nosh on some locally grown berries — and talk about wonderful Wesendorf.
