Mueden (Oertze): What lies beyond the hills? (Day tour, 43 km)

A cycle tour in Suedheide nature park that takes you through small heath villages to archaeological excavation sites that bear witness to prehistoric settlements in the region. Ride along pleasant pathways through a diversified landscape between Mueden (Oertze), Hermannsburg and Bergen.  This tour is also suitable for families.

The round trip focuses on archaeological features and other relics of times past.

The history of settlements in Suedheide can be traced back over 5,000 years. The area between the current towns of Bergen, Mueden and Hermannsburg must have had fertile soil back in the early Stone Age and Bronze Age. Herds of cattle were driven across the plains and the first heath areas were already developing. It is no wonder that many prehistoric monuments can be found in the area. 

The works penned by the heath poet Hermann Loens during the previous century are still well-known today. A memorial stone on Wietzer Berg commemorates his life and work. 

The cycle tour concludes with a ride through Oertze valley. 

Burial mounds and megalith tombs of our ancestors

Five burial mounds have been discovered on Wietzer Berg. It is assumed on the basis of the grave furniture, battle axes and clay cups found in the graves that the burial mounds stem from the end of the New Stone Age (or Neolithic Age).

A cemetery was erected between Backeberg and Bonstorf probably at a later date, around the beginning of the Bronze Age. Six corresponding burial mounds have been discovered. An information board at the site describes the results of the archaeological excavations. 

The different grave furniture found at the site indicates the graves were for a man and a woman. 45 burial mounds were erected near Wohlde at around the same time. In these cases, however, the dead were buried in tree coffins. Visitors can learn more at the Römstedthaus building in Bergen as well as from information boards. 

The oldest megalith grave in the areas was discovered at Siddernhausen.  It was probably erected by farmers who had settled in the area 5,000 years ago. The burial chamber was restored using original erratic boulders.

Hermann Loens memorial stone

The well-known and popular heath poet was a regular visitor to Lueneburg Heath. Here he found the peace and inspiration to write his works, in which he liked to incorporate his experiences with the local populace. Hermann Loens lived from 1866 to 1914. The memorial stone on Wietzer Berg was installed by the German Hunters Association in 1921.

Charakteristik

Tour length:  43 km

Path conditions:  hard forest and field pathways, agricultural tracks and cycle paths adjacent to public roads Short sections on public roads with little traffic. 

Signposting:  the pictogram shown here lines the entire route of both tours.

Directions to the car park "Am Loensstein": t he car park “Am Loensstein” is located on the L 240 between Hermannsburg and Mueden (Oertze). You’ll find it 1.5 km outside of Mueden on the right-hand side.

Coordinates:  N 52° 52.06546', E 010° 05.54750'

Recommended bicycles:  touring / trekking bikes and e-bikes

Further information:

Tourist Information Mueden (Oertze)

Unterluesser Str. 5

29328 Mueden (Oertze)

Tel. 05053 989220

mueden@lueneburger-heide.de

www.lueneburger-heide.de

Route:

The bicycle tour starts from the car park "Am Loensstein". Visitors wishing to see the Loensstein memorial stone are best advised to walk up  Wietzer Berg , a route of just a few minutes.

Take a left turn on the cycle path towards Willighausen and then up to incline to Hohenbackeberg. A short detour to Backeberg will lead you to some flat burial mounds dating from the late Neolithic Age.

The tour continues through Bonstorf, where a Bronze Age burial mound field lies, and then on to Barmbostel and auf Grauenberg. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Hermannsburg and its many church spires. 

Then on to Hof Grauen and the megalith grave near Siddernhausen. The reconstructed grave dates back around 4,000 years.

The route to Bergen passes a burial mound site with 45 graves near Wohlde.  Grave furniture and other artefacts discovered during the excavations can be seen at the Römstedthaus building in Bergen.

The cycle tour passes through  Bergen  and on to Wohlde, where an information board informs visitors about a former pilgrimage church.

The tour continues through fields and forests to the tithing of Huenenburg, although there are no records of whether a burg - or castle - ever stood here.

Then on to Huxahl, Oldendorf and Hermannsburg. You will enter the Oetze valley at Oldendorf. In  Hermannsburg  you can visit the  Ludwig Harms Haus  and the regional museum. The cycle route to the north of Hermannsburg remains close to the River Oertze and follows the River Forest Adventure Trail until you reach Mueden. The adventure trail has numerous activity stations and informative boards.

From Mueden you will pass the former Tilly Lime Tree, where General Tilly is said to have rested, before you reach the car park at Wietzer Berg. 

Click here for detailed information about this tour.