Leine-Heide Cycle Path, stage 1
Schwarmstedt in the Aller-Leine valley is the starting point for
this cycle ride, which will take you on a short journey back into time.
TIP 1:
Harry’s klingendem Museum houses one of the most beautiful colletions of
mechanical musical instruments in North Germany.
Leaving Schwarmstedt, the cycle path takes you
past Bothmer mill and Ahlden House and continues on to Hodenhagen,
where you can go on safari in the
Serengeti Park.
TIP 2:
The Serengeti-Park in Hodenhagen is a
fun animal experience that gives you a chance to discover the African steppe
first-hand. You’re driven through the huge park by bus, where you can spot
lions, tigers, wildebeest, giraffes and monkeys.
The cycle path then follows alongside fields
and meadows until you reach Walsrode. A cultural highlight here is
Walsrode Abbey, the oldest abbey among a total of six ‘Lüneburg abbeys’. Besides the abbey, the bird sanctuary
Vogelpark Walsrode is also a good insider tip.
TIP 3:
The Vogelpark Walsrode is reputed for
its flora and the large number of birds, some of which are rare species. The
feather in the park’s cap, however, is their impressive bird show.
The cycle path continues on to Bad
Fallingbostel, then Soltau, where adults can enjoy being big kids
again.
TIP 4:
The North German toy museum, Spielmuseum in
Soltau, exhibits four centuries’ worth of artefacts and is also home to one
of Europe’s most important doll’s houses – Dingley Hall – which dates back to
1877.