Dreebargen gives Bilsen a clear historical starting point. The nearby arboretum in Ellerhoop-Thiensen adds garden art; the wider Pinneberg destination offers further opportunities to enjoy nature, culture and activities.

Archaeological traces and local history in Bilsen

Dreebargen is located in Bilsen and is considered Schleswig-Holstein’s largest megalithic tomb. The Süllberge are nearby: a larger field of Bronze Age burial mounds that formerly belonged to Bilsen. The two names represent different forms of archaeological evidence—a megalithic tomb on the one hand and a burial mound field on the other. The historical focus thus encompasses both a specific site in Bilsen and the Süllberge’s former affiliation with the village.

Another historical connection dates back to the Middle Ages: Bilsen was sold to Harvestehude Monastery in 1385. This date adds a specific point in the village’s history to its archaeological themes. The two perspectives are easy to distinguish: Dreebargen and the Süllberge represent burial sites, while the sale to the monastery provides a medieval connection.

Garden interests: the nearby arboretum

The arboretum is located near Bilsen in Ellerhoop-Thiensen. It covers around 17 hectares in total, of which about 7.5 hectares are open to the public. Garden highlights include a large collection of shrub peonies, the seasonal lotus bloom by the park lake and an amber garden. The arboretum offers a different focus from the historical sites: plant collections, blossoms and individual garden areas provide the theme here. The lotus bloom is seasonal, so visitors planning their trip around it should choose the right time to visit.

Further highlights in the wider Pinneberg destination

The wider Pinneberg destination offers everything from woodland and parks to culture and activities. Pinneberger Fahlt is a woodland area and local recreation site in the Pinneberg municipal forest. It is used for walking, jogging and sports. The tree park in Pinneberg offers a different kind of park experience: it features 26 “Trees of the Year.” The concept was developed as part of the International Garden Show igs Hamburg 2013, in the Pinneberger Baumschulland exhibition area. These offer different green spaces: a woodland area for recreation and a park themed around selected trees.

For culture, the Drostei is another destination in the wider Pinneberg area. It is the cultural center of the Pinneberg district and hosts exhibitions, concerts and literary events. The Pinneberg Tree Nursery Museum has a more specialized focus: it is the only museum in the German-speaking world devoted to the tree nursery industry. The two venues are therefore quite different—the Drostei brings together various types of events, while the museum focuses on one specific subject.

The wider Pinneberg destination also has an option for activities: Cablesport Arena Pinneberg is a cable park on a lake for water skiing and wakeboarding. As seasons and prices may change, it is advisable to check the latest details before visiting. This makes it easy to choose the focus of your trip: Bilsen’s archaeological and medieval history, nearby gardens, or cultural and leisure offerings in Pinneberg.

Discover more destinations

Kölln-Reisiek, Lutzhorn, Neuendeich, Hemdingen, Hasloh, Rellingen, Seester, Quickborn

Back to the wider travel overview: Pinneberg.