An art railway station, a route lined with painted granite blocks and a city relief showing the town as it appeared in 1646 reveal different sides of Uelzen. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you’d rather explore architecture and city history or make time for the municipal forest and the water.
Art and City History in Uelzen
Uelzen’s Hundertwasser railway station was redesigned according to plans by Friedensreich Hundertwasser as part of EXPO 2000. Its architectural design brings together art, ecology and modernity. From the station, the Path of Stones leads into the city centre: 21 brightly painted rock sculptures mark the route. The granite blocks stand 50 to 100 metres apart; each weighs between 2 and 8 tonnes and is up to 3 metres high. The path itself thus becomes part of an exploration of art in public spaces.
The Uelzen Museum preserves and documents original artefacts relating to the city’s cultural history for research and educational purposes. Its exhibitions make these artefacts accessible to the public. For another perspective on the city’s history, visit Herzogenplatz: the Uelzen city relief stands on a granite plinth, is 1 metre wide and 1.30 metres long, and depicts the town in 1646. Explanatory text in Braille complements the display.
Schnellenmarkt also tells the story of the city. Pottery markets were held there from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. A work of art created by Georg MĂĽnchbach in 1980 commemorates earthenware drinking vessels known as Schnellen. You can start a self-guided tour of the historic city centre at the City and Tourist Information Office in the Town Hall or at the city model.
Churches and Architectural History
The Gothic hall church of St. Mary, with its 86-metre-high tower, is a prominent feature of the cityscape. Construction took around 100 years, ending in 1400; the tower can be seen from every direction as you approach the city. Guided climbs of the tower are possible during the summer months. If you plan a visit, check the latest dates in advance. The gable of the Gildehaus dates from the 15th century and is decorated with glazed bricks and foliage. St. Gertrude’s Chapel stands in front of the former Gudestor city gate. Built in the early 16th century, it served both as a place of worship and as a hostel for travellers.
City Forest, Water and Activities
Wildgatter Uelzen is a mini zoo in the municipal forest. Its attractions include native animal species, the Uelzen Eagle Owl and an observation platform for visitors. For a different natural setting, visit Woltersburger MĂĽhle on the eastern edge of the Hanseatic town, situated between deciduous woodland and water. The adjacent forest and surrounding area are ideal for walking and cycling.
At Ratsteich, the waterside area features an adjoining meadow, parkland, restaurants and numerous waterfowl. Canoes and kayaks are also used there; operating conditions may vary seasonally. Uelzen’s sports boat harbour has a restaurant, sanitary facilities, equipment for boating and a yacht club. A carriage ride offers families or groups of up to 25 people a relaxing new perspective on Uelzen, the municipal forest or the wildlife enclosure. Check the booking details before your trip.
Market and City Walk
The Vitalmarkt in the city centre offers meat, fish, cheese, baked goods and plants, as well as fruit and vegetables from regional producers. Combined with a self-guided walk through the historic city centre, it’s a great way to include culture and regional produce in your travel plans. Whether you focus on architecture, public art, nature or the market, Uelzen offers a range of specific places and activities to explore.
Discover more destinations: Barum, Bienenbüttel, Bad Bodenteich, Suderburg, Altenmedingen, Wriedel, Rätzlingen, Emmendorf.
Return to the main travel overview: Uelzen.
