Garbsen can be explored through several distinct highlights: the development of its formerly rural communities, its industrial history and leisure activities in the area around the Blue Lake. The Mittelland Canal provides an additional geographical point of reference. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether cultural history, cycling or activities on the water are particularly important to your plans.
Local history and architectural heritage
The Garbsen Local History Museum is housed in the workers’ kitchen of a former brickworks. It traces the development of the ten formerly rural communities that make up the present-day city. Another focus is the brickmaking and hard-stone industry, which played a central role in Garbsen from 1875 to 1980. The museum’s setting brings the history of work into a tangible spatial context, while the history of the communities broadens the perspective to Garbsen as a city today. The two topics offer different historical perspectives: the city’s development from ten communities and an industrial period with clearly defined dates.
Buildings also make their own mark. The Leine Bridge in Schloß Ricklingen, built in 1895, has been restored and is now considered an industrial monument. Schloß Ricklingen is also home to a magnificent Baroque church, regarded in some respects as unique in northern Germany. The two buildings speak to different cultural themes: the bridge stands out for its year of construction and present-day classification, while the church is notable for its Baroque architecture and special status in northern Germany.
The city area and cycling ring
The Mittelland Canal runs through the Garbsen city area for around 1.6 kilometres. The Garbsen Cycling Ring is also signposted as the city’s official cycling route. It invites you to explore Garbsen’s urban and rural landscapes and stop at points of interest. Check the local signs before setting off. This offers two different ways to explore: a geographical feature of the city and a cycling route designed for discovery and stops.
Leisure at the Blue Lake and nearby
The adventure mini-golf course in the Blue Lake recreation area in Garbsen has 14 holes spread across the gently sloping terrain on the lakeshore. Nearby is the Blue Lake near Garbsen, with a 600-metre-long sandy beach. There are also water-ski lifts and a 65-metre-long water slide. These offer a range of leisure options: the mini-golf course and its holes by the lakeshore, and the nearby lake with its beach, water-ski lifts and slide.
A seasonal event
The traditional Matjes Festival takes place in June in Werner-Baesmann Park in Berenbostel. The month of the festival adds a seasonal point of reference to the local history and leisure options when planning your trip. If you are travelling for the Matjes Festival, check the exact event dates in advance.
The wider Hanover Region
The Hanover Region also offers its own setting for cultural and natural attractions. The Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover comprise the Great Garden, the Berggarten, the Georgengarten and the Welfengarten. The Berggarten developed from a vegetable and nursery garden into a botanical garden. This regional garden history offers a different focus from Garbsen’s local and industrial history. When choosing a destination, you can therefore distinguish between a focus on local history and one on gardens across the region.
Discover more destinations: Dedenhausen, Springe, Wedemark, Mardorf, Seelze, Wunstorf, Burgwedel, Evensen
Go to the main travel overview: Hanover Region.
