Amelinghausen offers several distinct reasons to plan a trip: Lopausee, heathland trails and historic sites in town. The key is deciding what kind of outing you would like to focus on. By the water, boating and fishing on the lake are quite different from the seasonal outdoor pool; on the trails, you can choose between a circular route and a historical walking tour of the town. The annual Heath Blossom Festival is another regular event, but you should check the specific dates before travelling.
By the water: Lopausee or the forest pool?
At Lopausee, you can ride a pedal boat and fish; swimming is not permitted there. A short barefoot trail adds to the activities available by the lake. If pedal boating is important to you, check what is currently available in advance. If you plan to use the barefoot trail, check its current condition shortly before your visit.
By contrast, the Amelinghausen forest pool is an outdoor swimming pool with a 50-metre lane and a sunbathing lawn. This gives you a choice between two different water-based options: pedal boating and fishing are available at the lake, while the outdoor pool offers a swimming lane and a sunbathing lawn. The forest pool is seasonal, so check the current opening hours for your visit. This makes it easy to plan an outing by the water to suit your preferred activities, without planning to swim at Lopausee.
Heathland and circular trails
The small Kronsbergheide heathland lies directly on the B209 at the entrance to Amelinghausen when you arrive from the direction of Lüneburg. It is the venue for the annual Heath Blossom Festival, which includes the crowning of the Heath Queen. The Heath Queen of Amelinghausen has officially been elected at Kronsbergheide since 1950. There are two dates to keep distinct when planning your trip: the festival takes place every year, while the election tradition dates back to 1950. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates.
The eleven-kilometre Queen’s Trail is a circular route linking the countryside around Amelinghausen with the tradition of the Heath Blossom Festival. In the neighbouring municipality, a one-kilometre circular trail in Marxener Paradies also runs along a slope covered with heath and juniper. The route passes a heathland area and a colourful flowering meadow with a moor pond; on the other side of the valley, it continues through a fairytale forest of multi-stemmed beech trees. The two routes differ in both their stated length and the landscapes described.
Local history on a walking tour
The historical walking tour begins at the Amelinghausen Tourist Information Centre and passes more than 20 sites of historical interest during the warmer months. These include the Hippolit Church and the former tithe barn. The historic church is an old fieldstone building and is considered a local landmark. The tour connects several sites in town, while the church is also a destination in its own right for anyone interested in historic architecture.
Another archaeological point of interest near the destination is Oldendorfer Totenstatt, set amid the heathland around Amelinghausen. It is a well-known archaeological site in the Lüneburg Heath. This offers a range of different interests to choose from: local history on the walking tour, the fieldstone architecture of the Hippolit Church and the archaeological site nearby.
Lüneburg as the wider destination
In the wider destination of Lüneburg, city and town hall tours offer a distinct cultural experience, showcasing the historic atmosphere of gabled brick houses, old lanes and the picturesque Water Quarter. To travel to Amelinghausen, take bus route 5700 towards Soltau from Lüneburg Central Station; the journey to Amelinghausen bus station takes about 35 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Deutsch Evern, Wendisch Evern, Artlenburg, Lüdersburg, Soderstorf, Rullstorf, Barum, Dahlenburg
Return to the wider travel overview: Lüneburg.
