The Örtze flows directly through Winsen / Aller and joins the Aller there. The two rivers provide a clear landmark in the local landscape. You can paddle on the water, while cycling and hiking trails on land pass through river landscapes, forests, heathland and moorland. Historic buildings and an open-air museum add to the attractions. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether you would rather spend your time outdoors, go paddling or visit cultural sites.

Paths through River Landscapes and Heathland

Cycling and hiking trails around Winsen / Aller pass through the Aller landscapes, forests, heathland and moorland. The Tourist Information Office in Winsen provides carefully selected routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. This information helps you choose a route to suit your available time and activity level, without assuming a particular walking or cycling time.

The Südheide Nature Park has its own range of trails, including a 400-kilometre hiking network, 23 themed hiking routes, five nature trails and three long-distance hiking trails. For cycling, there are ten signposted themed routes with a total length of more than 400 kilometres. The range thus includes everything from themed trails to longer routes.

Paddling on the Aller and Örtze

You can paddle on the Aller near Winsen. Canoeing is also possible on natural heathland streams such as the Örtze, subject to water-level and nature conservation restrictions. For experienced paddlers, the Örtze near Winsen has small obstacles and tight bends. Seasonal and water-level-related restrictions also apply on the Örtze. Check local conditions and rules before setting off.

Historic Buildings and Museum Farm

The Winser Bockwindmühle (post mill) was built in 1732 and is one of the municipality’s oldest historic buildings. Group tours can be arranged by prior appointment; coordinate your visit with the local tourism service. The Stechinelli Gate dates from the 17th century and is the oldest secular monument in Winsen / Aller. St. John the Baptist Church houses an Early Gothic bronze baptismal font believed to be more than 800 years old.

The Winser Museumshof is an open-air museum comprising six historic buildings and their interiors. The Kalandhof Café serves regional specialties. As opening hours and food service may change, check the details before visiting. The mill, gate, church and museum farm each offer something different, from an early windmill and a secular historic building to ecclesiastical art and historic buildings.

Nature Spots and More Outdoor Activities

The Meißendorfer Teiche / Bannetzer Moor are eight kilometres away, in the Meißendorf district of Winsen. The nature reserve there has the largest continuous area of water in the Lüneburg Heath. Another option for outdoor activity is the dirt track at the Gildesweg skate park. The 200-metre track is intended mainly for mountain bikers and BMX riders of all ages. As details may change due to maintenance or alterations, check the facility’s current condition in advance.

More Culture in the Wider Celle Destination

The wider destination of Celle has a particular focus on town history and half-timbered architecture. There are almost 500 half-timbered houses in Celle’s town centre. The 3.22-kilometre tour through the old town is rated very easy and runs from Celle Ducal Palace to the synagogue. This is a specific town route, while the paths around Winsen / Aller vary in length and difficulty.

Kloster Wienhausen is home to medieval treasures, including tapestries from the 14th and 15th centuries, a painted nuns’ choir, chests and cabinets, and a collection of some of the oldest glasses in the world. The “Hiking around Wienhausen” tour passes through the historic town centre and ends at the monastery, which welcomes visitors from April to October. Experts explain the Gothic tapestries for one week each year, traditionally starting on the Saturday after Pentecost. Check the dates when planning your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Celle.