Castles and monasteries surrounded by greenery

Just like in a fairy tale, the magnificent Marienburg Castle sits enthroned on a wooded hill. Visitors who climb its richly decorated turrets can enjoy a sweeping view of the historic Calenberger Land region. The Guelph castle is undeniably the “star” of this vacation region just outside Hannover: On a guided tour, visitors can marvel at its princely halls, featuring 18th-century silver furniture, a fully equipped castle kitchen, and the Queen’s Library with its elaborately painted vault adorned with gold leaf. The castle restaurant, located in the former stables and coach house, is also worth a visit. But the Calenberger Land, with its rolling hills and dense forests, ancient castles, and impressive monasteries, offers much more: Hikers and cyclists will also find ideal conditions here for a varied active vacation with many cultural highlights.

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Hunting Lodge and Wild Boar Park

The Calenberger Land region lies between the Leine River, the Mittelland Canal, and the green Deister hills, which are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. On the northern edge, the Springe Hunting Lodge makes for an ideal stop along the way: This is where the royal family of Hanover stayed in the 19th century when the royal hunt was called. Today, visitors can view the magnificent wall and ceiling paintings, as well as the stately Kaisersaal and an exhibition on native animals. Wild boars and deer, as well as bears, wolves, and moose, can be seen right next door at the Saupark Springe, located in the kings’ former hunting grounds. For more information, visit www.visit-hannover.de/urlaubsregion.

© Wennigsen Tourist Information

A Stop at the Monastery

"The beautiful natural scenery, fascinating history, and rich culture make the Calenberger Land a diverse vacation destination for the whole family," says Beate Fuchs, a travel expert at the consumer portal Ratgeberzentrale.de. This also applies to the important monasteries that were founded in the 13th century in what was then the Principality of Calenberg. Five beautifully situated monastery complexes are still inhabited today and invite visitors to join guided tours or other events: For example, concerts are held regularly at the Wennigsen Monastery, and open meditation days are also offered. At Mariensee Monastery, traditional cultural arts such as calligraphy, embroidery, and garden design are cultivated, and the monastery museum invites visitors on a journey through the history and present of Protestant women’s monasteries in northern Germany. The monastery café also entices visitors with homemade cake—a little culinary break for cyclists, hikers, and strollers.

As of June 28, 2016