Lilienthal combines its astronomical heritage and monastery history with paths through meadows and pastureland. When planning a trip, cultural sites and outdoor activities therefore offer distinct areas of focus: for example, the history of the historic telescope, the town’s churches, or cycling and hiking trails along the river dikes.
Telescope history and possible stargazing
The Telescopium is a faithful reconstruction of the observatory that was once the largest in Europe. It includes Johann Hieronymus Schroeter’s 27-foot reflecting telescope. The visitor program introduces Lilienthal’s astronomical history and the operation of the historic large telescope. This provides context for the telescope both as part of the town’s history and in terms of how it works.
Depending on the weather, atmospheric conditions, and timing, visitors may be able to observe craters on the Moon, Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, or features on the Sun’s surface. These observations therefore depend on suitable conditions and are not equally possible at all times.
Monastery history and churches
Lilienthal’s history includes a Cistercian convent. Construction began in 1232 under the name Vallis Liliorum; the completed building was consecrated in 1264. The convent flourished in the 15th century. These dates give the town’s history a long arc, extending from the medieval foundation of the convent to its later heyday.
In the historic town center, the red-brick St. Mary’s Church is a defining feature of the townscape. You can inquire about guided tours of the church at the parish office; please arrange a guided visit in advance. The white, late Romanesque St. Jürgen’s Church offers a different architectural and landscape setting: it stands on a dwelling mound amid meadows and is a destination for cyclists and walkers. The prominent brick church in the town center and the village church in the meadows are thus clearly distinct in their respective settings.
The Lilienhof is also part of the region’s architectural history. Its historic buildings include a farmhouse dating from 1651, a bakehouse from 1738, a barn around 300 years old, and a Spiecker dating from 1720. The dates range from specific years to the approximate dating of the barn.
Art, exhibitions, and interactive exhibits
Murkens Hof hosts changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. The program changes, so the focus is on a range of changing perspectives rather than a single permanent exhibition. KaLis Werkstatt offers another way to explore scientific topics, with more than 40 interactive exhibits on astronomy, optical illusions, and electricity. Art and hands-on experimentation thus offer different highlights within Lilienthal’s cultural offerings.
Exploring trails and waterways
Extensive cycling and hiking trails lead through Lilienthal’s meadows and pastures along the dikes of the Wümme, Hamme, and Wörpe rivers. The townscape offers both cycling and hiking for an active outing on land. Exact trail conditions may change. Cycling along the Wörpe is also one of the activities associated with Lilienthal.
Canoeing on the Wümme is another activity associated with Lilienthal. It offers a different way to experience the landscape than the paths along the dikes; water levels and access rules may vary. When planning, it is therefore worth distinguishing between a walk or cycle ride and an activity on the water. St. Jürgen’s Church is also a destination for cyclists and walkers.
Lilienthal is considered a central point in the cultural landscape triangle between Bremen, Worpswede, and Fischerhude. This regional context complements the local themes: astronomy and monastery history sit alongside a cultural landscape whose named reference points are Bremen, Worpswede, and Fischerhude.
Discover more destinations: Schwanewede, Grasberg, Dannenberg, Worpswede, Hambergen, Vollersode, Ritterhude, LĂĽbberstedt.
For the overview of the wider region: Osterholz.
