Holiday region Wendland
In the far east of Lower Saxony, the Wendland holiday region lies directly on the border with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg. The holiday region on the Elbe attracts visitors above all with its beautiful nature.
The name Wendland can be traced back to the settlement of the Slavic Wends. This can still be seen today in many place names such as Kriwitz, Redemoißel or Dickfeitzen.
Wendland, nestled in the Elbe valley floodplain in eastern Lower Saxony, is an insider tip for all those who are looking for peace and quiet, love adventure and want to be inspired by an unmistakable way of life.
The region is characterized by a unique landscape in which rivers, forests and moors alternate. The Elbe floodplain, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, offers a breathtaking backdrop for hikes, bike tours or simply relaxing. The Göhrde, one of the largest mixed forest areas in northern Germany, is ideal for long walks and discovery tours. Especially in autumn, when the leaves glow with color, the forest transforms into a magical nature experience.
Wendland is also a stronghold for stargazing, as there is hardly any light pollution here – a true paradise for night owls and amateur astronomers.
Characteristic of the Wendland are the round villages scattered throughout the landscape. The villages are characterized by houses with gables facing a circular village square. Behind the houses, fields and meadows open up in a wedge shape. Originally, only one road led in and out of the round villages. Of the 200 or so Rundling villages in the region, around one hundred have been preserved in their characteristic form and often with historic buildings.
The Wendland vacation region offers a break away from mass tourism and overcrowded cities. The largest town in the region, the district town of Lüchow (Wendland), is home to only around 9300 people, while other towns often only have a few hundred inhabitants. The Wendland impresses with its beautiful nature, which can be enjoyed in the Elbhöhen-Wendland Nature Park and the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve.
Holiday region Wendland – Tips
From Wittenberge in the Prignitz region, a fantastically beautiful cycle path leads along the Elbe, where you can follow in the footsteps of German-German history and also discover a unique natural landscape.
Schnackenburg, the smallest town in Lower Saxony, is located in the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg in the beautiful Wendland region. About 300 inhabitants live here.
Travel information about the Wendland
Arrival
By Public transport
The Wendland region is only partially accessible by public transport. If you are only travelling in the Lower Saxony area, you can use the Lower Saxony ticket of the Deutsche Bahn. It is important to note that some routes run through Salzwedel. Salzwedel is in Saxony-Anhalt and the Niedersachens Ticket is not valid there.
You can reach Dannenberg, Hitzacker, Uelzen, Salzwedel and Schnega by regional train. Buses run from Uelzen and Salzwedel to Lückow. Please note that at weekends some buses only run on request. If demand is low, taxis run at the bus fare.
By car
Many places, especially small ones, are best reached by car. Numerous country roads lead through the region.
By bike
There is a well signposted bicycle network in the region.
On foot
The European Long Distance Trail E 6 runs from north to south through the Wendland
On the way in ...
Elbe River Crossings
There are several Elbe ferries and bridges that allow you to cross the Elbe. Road bridges can be found at Dömitz and Wittenberge.
The ferries shuttle daily as needed.
Pevestorf to Lenzen:
weekdays: 6 -21 h (in winter only until 20 h)
Saturday, Sunday: 8-21 h (in winter only until 20 h)
Schnackenburg nach Lütkenwisch:
weekdays: 6 -21 h (in winter only until 20 h)
Saturday, Sunday: 8-21 h (in winter only until 20 h)
On foot
In the Elbtalaue-Wendland biosphere region, 10 circular hiking trails with different thematic focuses are signposted. The distances range from 4 to 25 kilometres. Those who like to hike longer distances can discover the region on the Elbhöhen-Weg, the Drawehn-Höhenweg or the Wendland-Querweg.