You might never have heard about the town of Wietmarschen, but it’s a place with international appeal.
It’s easily reached on the local 161 and 165 bus line from Lingen and Nordhorn; but it’s just as easy to get here by rail from other German cities (yes, I consider Germany’s rail network the best worldwide that gets you to the most remote village).
Wietmarschen has a Spanish named (Playa de Lohne) leisure swimming lake, also simply known as Freizeitsee, with a sandy beach; but, also a beach volleyball court, a playground, and a beverage kiosk. Pack a lunch, some snacks; and you’ve got it made.
It’s not all sunny beaches in Wietmarschen, there’s history down these town lanes and roads. The town can also boast a pilgrimage church (called the Wallfahrtskirche) from the 13th century where after several centuries thousands still come to pray at the gold statue of Mary.
Stift Wietmarschen is another church that’s listed as a site to see around town. This church is older than any other in town; and its landscape surrounding the 11th century abbey is all bright green grass dotted with red and yellow flowers. The old abbey has a cafe if you wish to sit and enjoy the scenery.
One thing about Lower Saxony is that it’s the perfect place to ride a bicycle (don’t be shy, you truly never forget). Take a leisurely ride past the 15th century Glockenturm Südlohne (a bell tower) and the 200 year old Mühlenturm that also has a cafe if you want to rest a spell.
You might want to walk around town during any of Wietmarschen’s festivals. There’s a special pilgrimage to the Wallfahrtskirche on Christ Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), the Urbreckerfest (that’s held every other year), the church festival called Kermes, and an annual shooting festival.
Note: you can’t bring the bikes inside the town’s two local history museums or, the tractor museum.
While Wietmarschen could be considered an international city, you can’t fly out from its airfields — they’re for model or sports planes only.
I never said you could have everything in Wietmarschen, but you can come pretty close. ;-)
