Lüneburg Heath - the final days

 ... of our vacation are spent at the best campground of our trip. Since my better half has never been to the Lüneburg Heath, we spontaneously decide to spend the last two nights of our trip at the Wildwood campsite in the southern heath. The campground is close to nature and offers forest or meadow spaces and brand new sanitary facilities. A real insider tip!

From here we hop on our bikes to explore the region via cycle path network. Several times we cross hiking and separate horse riding trails and come across the professional markings of a long-distance hiking trail through Germany, the "Nord-Süd-Trail", a project which I supported to come to life.

The heather blossom is almost over and the weather has cooled down noticeably, but the clear air, the lovely scenery and the good bike paths ensure a relaxed finale to our road trip.

Our conclusion: Vacation in Germany... can be wonderful. Especially when the weather is cooperating.

Celle, the southern Gate to Lüneburg Heath

Celle marks the southern gateway to the Lüneburg Heath. First mentioned in 993, the village developed as a goods trading point and customs station for merchant shipping on the river Aller and achieved economic prosperity. Mint rights were granted in the 11th century and city rights in 1301. In 1524, Celle was the second city (after Wittenberg) to join the Reformation.

There are around 400 half-timbered houses to admire in the old town center, best of all from above. For the best overview, climb 235 steps up the bell tower of St. Mary's Church. From above, Celle Castle appears almost modest. 

The influence of the Weser Renaissance seems to begin here. It's humid today, so we grab a few snacks from the bakery and stroll through the English and French gardens. The castle park with its tall trees provides pleasant shade.

Lüneburg, our favourite kind of town.

Lüneburg is a family matter for me. Here's is where my grandmother met her future husband.

We find a fairly decent priced accommodation at the Hotel Altes Kaufhaus but we have to pay €19 in parking fees. Well but it doesn't matter, our red and white companion gets a premium place.

The old salt town and Hanseatic city can look back on over 1000 years of history. The old town center was spared from the chaos and destruction by wars, and so there are plenty of well-preserved town houses to marvel at.

However, salt mining, which was in operation until the 1980s, took its toll, as an entire district is now in a subsidence area, which is gradually making the buildings uninhabitable.

As with every visit, in addition to the obligatory city tour, I have to climb up to the old water tower to say hello to Lüneburg from above. Traditionally we spend the evening in the steakhouse “Am Sande”.

The next morning we make sure we leave before 11 a.m. because filming for the telenovela “Rote Rosen” (red roses) is scheduled to take place on the street in front of the hotel.

One old bridge over three generations.

We ❤️ Lüneburg a little more than Lübeck.