Deister

Rodenberg

From Fortress to Castle through Rodenberg.

Charming landscapes and picturesque villages, romantic half-timbered architecture, and the Weser Renaissance—this is the Rodenberg Joint Municipality. The 16 villages that make up the joint municipality are nestled in the valley between the beautifully forested mountain ranges of the Deister (405 meters), the Süntel (437), and the Bückeberge (367). The history of this region is reflected everywhere in its historic landmarks. But cultural institutions and modern recreational facilities also draw visitors to the Rodenberg Valley.

Moated castles, fortresses, and churches are the main attractions here for history buffs. In Apelern, visitors are drawn to the two-nave hall church (built around 1162), Münchhausen Castle (1561), and Hammerstein Castle (1696). In Hülsede, you’ll find the parish church of St. Ägidien, dating from 1440, as well as the moated castle (1529–1548), built in the Weser Renaissance style. Many residents have formed a community group dedicated to preserving their landmark, the windmill, which has stood atop the Alter Rodenberg for nearly 150 years and can be viewed while strolling through the Bürgerpark.

Also worth seeing are the castle complex with its restored bastion and Heisterburg Castle with the Devil’s Bridge, located in the Deister. In Lauenau, there are two palaces and a castle to visit. And a must-see for lovers of sacred architecture: St. Luke’s Church. It is considered a masterpiece by the renowned church architect Conrad Wilhelm Hase.

With its shops, cafés, and restaurants, downtown Rodenberg invites you to enjoy a varied shopping experience. A modern business center is located on Amtsplatz, directly in front of City Hall. Recreational and sporting activities are provided by facilities such as the cycling arena, the shooting range, two swimming pools in Rodenberg and Lauenau, several tennis courts, fitness centers, and a large campground in Reinsdorf. Bicycle and hiking trails wind through fields, forests, and meadows, connecting the communities.

Annual local festivals, such as shooting festivals, the traditional “Martini-Markt” fair, and many street festivals, foster a sense of community and highlight the residents’ hospitality.

“Good luck!”

In Feggendorf near Lauenau, a walk in the woods can be wonderfully combined with a visit to a historic coal mine. As early as 1738, a coal seam was discovered in three small test shafts near what is now the Feggendorf Tunnel. This small mine, typical of the Deister region, supplied the villages around Lauenau with coal for blacksmiths and household heating.

In 1952, the miners wished each other one last “Glück auf!” as they made their way into the tunnel. This marked the end of 175 years of coal mining in Rodenberg. Following extensive restoration work, numerous relics of the mine are now open to the public once again. Today, tourists have taken the place of the miners, taking an interest in the historic rail tracks, mine cars, the coal screening machine, and the work involving side-dump and beak-dump cars.