Westerstede combines expansive gardens, distinctive buildings and a seasonal rail bike ride. The town is a state-recognised health resort and has an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails. This offers several themes to consider when choosing the focus of your stay: longer walks through a park, plant collections, architectural history in the town centre and a ride along a disused railway line.
Rhododendrons, woody plants and the town park
Hobbie Rhododendron Park covers 70 hectares and is Germany’s largest rhododendron park by area. Its network of paths extends for more than ten kilometres. It is a good choice if you would like to set aside time during your stay for long walks through a large garden.
The Park of Rarities offers a different perspective on woody plants and perennials: it features 212 unusual woody plants and more than 2,000 accompanying perennials. Guided tours are available by arrangement, so please agree on your preferred date in advance. The two parks therefore have different focuses: paths and space at one, and a precisely numbered plant collection at the other.
Thalenweide Park in the centre of Westerstede is home, among other things, to a 350-year-old oak. Its central location adds a place in the heart of town to the selection of parks, while the tree’s great age also brings a historical aspect into the picture.
Buildings and open-air theatre
St. Peter’s Church is in the town centre, is Westerstede’s oldest building and is a local landmark. Its distinctive tower is 48 metres high. At the foot of the church, the Westerstede Open-Air Theatre Association turns the Old Market into a stage every two years, presenting two plays for visitors of all ages.
The water tower in Thalenweide Park adds to the picture of local architectural history: it was built in 1933 to supply the town with water. Together, the church and tower offer a glimpse of different aspects of the town’s history: religious architecture and municipal infrastructure.
Routes and planning your time
The station for the Ammerland Rail Bike Experience is located on the grounds of G. D. Boehlje Nursery in Westerstede. The seven-kilometre route follows a disused railway line between Westerstede and the district of Ocholt, with three stops for breaks. Since 2006, twelve four-person pedal rail bikes and three 16-person club rail bikes have operated on the route. The season runs from 1 April to 15 October.
Another route option is the Linsweger Eschweg, which starts and ends at Westerstede District Hall or Hotel Sonnenhof. The options can therefore be compared using different key details: for the Eschweg, consider the possible starting and ending points; for the rail bike experience, plan around the route length, rest stops and vehicle capacity.
The open-air theatre and rail bikes differ considerably when it comes to choosing when to visit: the theatre takes place every two years, while the rail bike season runs from 1 April to 15 October. If either activity is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific performance or operating dates.
Discover more destinations: Edewecht, Rastede, Bad Zwischenahn, Apen and Wiefelstede.
Go to the main travel guide: Ammerland.
