Discover Liebenau through its many different themes: the history of the munitions factory and traces of earlier cultures, Mainscher Heide and the natural environment of Liebenauer Gruben. This offers a range of ways to plan your trip, from historical exhibitions and buildings to guided tours and hikes. Expert-led tours of the protected Liebenauer Gruben take place throughout the year. Check dates in advance with NABU.
History and buildings in Liebenau
The permanent exhibition at the Liebenau Memorial and Education Centre covers the Liebenau munitions factory from 1939 to 1945 and the people who were forced to work there. It focuses on the history of the site and the experiences of forced labourers. Construction of the munitions factory began in summer 1939 in a wooded area between Liebenau and Steyerberg; this falls within the period covered by the exhibition.
St. Laurentius is the oldest surviving building in Liebenau. The late Gothic church bears the year 1522 on its door lintel. Inside is an elaborately decorated tabernacle, dated 1510 and standing 6.5 metres tall. The carved altar is also dated: it bears the year 1517. The door lintel and furnishings thus provide three specific points in time from which to explore different details of the church.
The Witten-Hus local history museum is a traditional regional farmhouse dating from the late 19th century. Its exhibitions focus on Old Saxon history, local crafts and domestic life up to the early 20th century. This offers a perspective ranging from a broader historical overview to specific aspects of everyday life.
An Old Saxon burial ground was discovered on Heidberg near Liebenau in 1953. Its continuous use into the early Middle Ages makes it unique in Lower Saxony and rare in north-western Europe. Access to the site is restricted to guided tours; check in advance when a visit is possible.
Mainscher Heide and Liebenauer Gruben
Mainscher Heide is a heathland area of around 27 hectares surrounding Fuchsberg and an important place for local recreation. During the heather flowering season, hikes can include a break at Fuchsberg Hut. The flowering season sets the seasonal timeframe for this walk.
Liebenauer Gruben also offers a distinct focus on nature. A total of 281 plant species have been recorded in the area. In addition, the pits provide a refuge for 58 breeding bird species and 120 migratory bird species. The distinction between breeding and migratory birds highlights two different roles the area plays for birdlife. The waters of Liebenauer Gruben are registered as an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC) because they provide a feeding habitat for the rare pond bat.
The activities offer different experiences: NABU tours focus on the protected pits and their natural environment, while hikes during the heather flowering season take in Mainscher Heide and the option of a break at Fuchsberg Hut. When planning a tour, bear in mind the conditions: dates for tours of the pits must be checked with NABU, while the heathland hike depends on the flowering season.
Explore by bike
The cycling route “Through Gorge and Heath: Around Liebenau” is 30 kilometres long and follows minor roads and farm tracks. It complements excursions centred on specific places and landscapes with a designated cycling route. The description provides two specific details to help with planning: the route length and the types of roads and tracks it follows.
Liebenau is part of the Mittelweser travel region in Lower Saxony. Its historical attractions, heathland and Liebenauer Gruben offer a variety of ways to tailor your stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Raddestorf, Mittelweser, Uchte, Rodewald, Haßbergen, Balge, Steyerberg, Nienburg.
Go to the main travel overview: Nienburg.
