The Calenberger Land

For a change into nature - not far from the big city of Hanover 

The Calenberger Land delights visitors with its historic landscape, imposing castles, and medieval architectural complexes. The Calenberger Land includes the towns of Barsinghausen, Gehrden, Pattensen, Ronnenberg, and Springe, as well as the municipality of Wennigsen (Deister). Bordered by the Leine River and the Mittelland Canal to the north and east, and by the Deister to the southwest, this little corner of the world is characterized by its unspoiled natural beauty and proximity to the capital of Lower Saxony. The 21 km, which can be covered quickly, offer hikers, nature lovers, and history buffs a short getaway from the big city.

As part of Hanover’s affluent suburbs, the Calenberger Land offers a great opportunity for recreation. Highlights of the region include the Deisterkreisel, a cycling route around the Deister, as well as the sights of Marienburg Castle and the five Calenberger monasteries: Marienwerder, Wennigsen, Wülfinghausen, Mariensee, and Barsinghausen. Those who want to experience more than just nature and culture can also escape the daylight at the Barsinghausen Monastery Tunnel and explore underground mining in the visitor mine.

Freedom for 111 animal species

Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the Springe Bison Reserve in the southern part of the Hanover region. Spanning 90 hectares, the reserve is home to wildlife species typical of the region as well as those that are critically endangered. Facilities such as the falconry center, wolf enclosure, and bird aviaries serve to protect and breed these animals for conservation, while the animals are provided with a habitat that is as natural as possible, featuring ponds, meadows, and streams, as well as oak and beech forests.

The park’s name derives from the bison that were on the verge of extinction in 1928 and were reintroduced and crossbred at this site. Decades later, the area was expanded into a wildlife park. The facility, which attracts around 170,000 visitors annually, is home not only to the bison that give it its name but also to bald eagles and falcons. These can be admired during guided flight demonstrations or in large aviaries. Those who love the wilderness and four-legged animals can check out the wolf project run by Matthias and Birgit Vogelsang. They live in harmony with a number of timber wolves and arctic wolves at the zoo. For visitors who enjoy the fresh air and connecting with nature, this offers a unique opportunity to observe a pack of wolves up close.