History at the Deister

Wennigsen – Interesting Facts & History

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 Hanover from here. The trip from the state capital is correspondingly short: it takes half an hour by car; by S-Bahn, it takes no longer from the main station.

Wennigsen serves as a central starting point for hikers and cyclists looking for varied excursions. There are plenty of parking spaces 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 variety of guided tours to choose from.

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

A popular hike takes you along the Kammweg trail to the highest point of the Deister: The Annaturm, at 405 meters, invites you to take a leisurely break (closed on Mondays!) and rewards your 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 defensive tower (circa 1150) and several sections of wall make up 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, visitors will also be captivated by the artistic treasures on display. The unusual “Zeitmonument” with its equatorial sundial, the fire station—now a creative center for arts and crafts—and the former Steinkrug glassworks, an industrial monument, round out this enriching 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 take a taste—during a visit to the Warnecke grain distillery, where farmers’ markets and cultural events also take place. Known far beyond Wennigsen’s borders is the “Historical Freischießen,” which traces its origins to the medieval farmers’ and citizens’ militias and takes place every three years in Wennigsen. One of the highlights is the colorful and spectacular parade featuring historic carriages and costumes, lined by thousands of visitors.