Rullstorf’s local history dates back to around 1150, when the settlement was founded as an original Rundling village with six farmsteads. Together with the Lüneburg Landwehr and the Kronsberg archaeological site, this creates a historical profile combining the founding of a village, a historic fortification and archaeological finds.
Rundling Village, Landwehr and Kronsberg
The Lüneburg Landwehr originally ran south from Rullstorf via Neu Wendhausen to Deutsch Evern. In Rullstorf, it was a barrier of earthen ramparts and water-filled ditches built around 1480. Its route and construction tell different parts of its story: the route places the Landwehr in its geographical context, while the ramparts and ditches describe its form.
Another highlight is Rullstorf’s Kronsberg, an archaeological site covering around 24 hectares on the edge of the geestland above the Elbe valley. Its location gives the site a clear connection to the landscape. The original Rundling village, the historic Landwehr and the Kronsberg archaeological site reveal different aspects of Rullstorf’s history.
Finds from Rullstorf can also be seen in museums: the “Schwanenfibel” (Swan Brooch) is on display at the Museum Lüneburg. Check before your visit whether the exhibition is still on.
Archaeology in the wider Lüneburg destination
The wider Lüneburg destination also has archaeological sites with a different historical focus. The megalithic tombs in Schieringer Forst between Barskamp and Walmsburg date from the Neolithic period and were built between 3000 and 2300 BC. A circular walk starts at Walmsburg village square and leads to the tombs. This offers a way to view the prehistoric monuments and Rullstorf’s founding around 1150 as distinct chapters in history.
At the Findlingsring near Breetze, a district of Bleckede, you can see the landscape from another perspective. The erratic boulders illustrate how the Elbe glacial valley was formed during the Ice Age. The Findlingsring is freely accessible, and parking is available; check access conditions before your visit.
Routes and activities in the region
In the wider Lüneburg destination, Lopausee and Lopaupark in Amelinghausen offer a 2.2-kilometre circular path for walking, jogging and Nordic walking. At eleven kilometres, the Königinnen-Weg is a longer circular hike around the heath village of Amelinghausen. The Lopausee circular path is considerably shorter than the eleven-kilometre Königinnen-Weg.
Other destinations in the wider Lüneburg area offer different highlights: at Kletterwald Scharnebeck, climbing ranges from platforms three to four metres high up to 15 metres; the zip-line course is 435 metres long. The Biosphaerium Elbtalaue in Bleckede combines an aquarium landscape and live beavers with more than 1,000 m² of modern exhibition space. Scharnebeck is home to the Lüneburg Ship Lift, considered the largest ship lift of its kind in Germany.
Plan your visit to Lüneburg and Amelinghausen
City and town hall tours in Lüneburg showcase gabled brick houses, old lanes and the waterside quarter. For a different perspective, visit the Lüneburg Water Tower: its viewing platform is 56 metres high and offers views across Lüneburg and the surrounding area. The tower hosts classical concerts at 8 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month and on every full moon. Check the concert dates before planning your visit.
In the wider Lüneburg destination, the Heideblütenfest takes place each year in August in the Amelinghausen collective municipality. The programme includes the crowning of the Heather Queen and a large parade; dates and programme may vary. To reach Amelinghausen, take bus 5700 towards Soltau from Lüneburg Central Station; the journey to the bus station takes around 35 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Westergellersen, Adendorf, Betzendorf, Neetze, Heiligenthal, Soderstorf, Boitze, Hohnstorf (Elbe).
Go to the overall travel guide: Lüneburg.
