Deister

Wennigsen

Fascinating traces of history draw visitors to Wennigsen.

Wennigsen, with its eight districts, lies at the foot of the northern slope of the Deister. On a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers of Hannover from here. The trip from the state capital is correspondingly short: it takes half an hour by car; the S-Bahn ride from the main station takes no longer.

Wennigsen serves as a central starting point for hikers and cyclists looking for varied excursions. There is plenty of parking available in the woods. Public barbecue areas and shelters are perfect for picnics. And with the “Deisterkreisel,” the “Grüner Faden,” and the “Grüne Kette,” visitors have an unexpected array of guided tours to choose from.

Among the main attractions in the Deister are the Wennigser Wasserräder, which are on display from April through September. Children, in particular, are fascinated by the colorful miniature watermills and the numerous fairy-tale scenes.

A popular hike takes you along the ridge trail to the highest point of the Deister: the Annaturm, at 405 meters, is a great spot to take a break (closed on Mondays!) and rewards the climb with a magnificent view of the Calenberger Land.

Right in the heart of Wennigsen stands the monastery around which the town grew. The Romanesque fortified tower (circa 1150) and several sections of the walls form the oldest part of the monastery church. And the tympanum in the church’s entrance area is the oldest architectural monument in Northern Germany! During a guided tour through the ancient walls, art treasures also inspire awe. The unusual “Zeitmonument” with its equatorial clock, the fire station serving as a creative center for arts and crafts, and the former Steinkrug glassworks, an industrial monument, round out this eventful tour.

Festival Parade at the Historic Shooting Competition

In the Bredenbeck district, the birthplace of Baron von Knigge, you shouldn’t miss the chance to sample a drink—during a visit to the Warnecke grain distillery, where farmers’ markets and cultural events are also held. Known far beyond Wennigsen’s borders is the “Historical Freischießen,” which traces its origins to the medieval peasant and citizen militias and takes place every three years in Wennigsen. A highlight is the colorful and spectacular parade featuring historic carriages and costumes, lined with thousands of visitors.