Gilten brings two distinct themes to your travel plans: the historic St. Pauli Church with its special features, and the Aller Cycle Route, whose 54-kilometre day loop runs from Schwarmstedt through woodland and meadows to Gilten. The history of a watermill near Gilten and the manor estate, which is part of a group of listed buildings, add to the picture. Gilten is promoted as a holiday destination in the Aller-Leine Valley. When choosing accommodation, the town can therefore be explored primarily through its cultural history and cycling.

St. Pauli Church and the manor estate: Gilten’s architectural history

The newly renovated St. Pauli Church preserves a sacristy dating from the time it was built. It also features a unique floor made of river pebbles, a distinctive choice of material for the church interior. Until 1775, the church served as the hereditary burial place of the Lords of Gilten. The building thus brings together several different aspects: the sacristy from the time of its construction, its renovation and its former use as a burial place.

The manor estate is also part of Gilten’s architectural history: it belongs to a group of listed buildings. The church and manor estate offer two different perspectives on the town’s historic buildings: the church is notable for its features and former use, while the manor estate is part of a protected group of buildings.

Mill history: demolition and building plans

The history of the area around Gilten includes the original watermill belonging to the Lords of Bothmer. It was demolished in 1822, and a Dutch windmill was to be built in its place. The sequence is clear: the demolition was followed by a plan for a different type of mill. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check the current visiting options.

Cycling the Aller Cycle Route

The Aller Cycle Route has a direct connection to Gilten: a 54-kilometre day loop runs from Schwarmstedt through woodland and meadows to Gilten. This is distinct from the total length of the cycle route, which is 328 kilometres. The Aller Cycle Route is signposted throughout with its own logo. The 54-kilometre loop and the full route therefore describe two different scales: a day loop connected to Gilten and the entire cycle route.

More destinations in the wider Heidekreis travel destination

In the wider Heidekreis travel destination, independent cultural attractions offer more to explore beyond Gilten. The exhibition at the German Tank Museum in Munster includes more than 150 large exhibits spread across five halls covering more than 10,000 square metres in total. Since exhibitions can change, it is advisable to check the current display before your visit.

Another example of cultural history is the Hof der Heidmark in Bad Fallingbostel. It was built in 1642, dismantled in 1936 and rebuilt in Liethwald. Today it is listed and is one of the oldest buildings in the Heidekreis district. While the focus at St. Pauli Church in Gilten is on its features and former use, the Hof illustrates a history of construction, dismantling and rebuilding.

Discover more destinations: Lindwedel, Oberhaverbeck, Oerrel, Bomlitz, Frankenfeld, Siedlung Am Krummen Winkel, Wietzendorf, Tewel

Return to the wider travel overview: Heidekreis.