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    www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

    Lower Saxonytravel tips and inspiration

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    Lovely

    to see you!Of course, we are not (yet!) actually seeing you, but we,

    your hosts in the Holiday Destination Lower Saxony (in

    German: Niedersachsen) would love to meet you. We

    would like to invite and inspire you to visit one of the

    most beautiful and diverse holiday regions in Germany.

    Wind and waves by the sea, endless open space in

    the Wadden Sea, the flowering glory of the Lneburger

    Heide, mystical paths through the Harz Mountains ...

    the landscapes and the pleasure to be hand are simply

    incomparable. And thats not even mentioning the idyllic

    towns, historical monuments and numerous spas. Lower

    Saxonys sources for inspiration are nearly boundless

    and thus a stay in our country offers so much more than

    you might expect.

    But its one of those things that you just have to see for

    yourself. So: why not come and experience it?

    And then we can truly say: Lovely to see you!

    Of course we are available for you online as well.

    Onwww.niedersachsen-tourism.comyou can discover the traveldestination Lower Saxony and gather inspiration for your next stay.

    So many people understand far too late how much theyve missed in life:

    joy, beauty and nature, health, travelling and culture. People: isnt it high time

    that you were aware of the passing time? Travel, see the world!

    Wilhelm Busch (18321908), Lower Saxon painter and writer

    inspiration niedersachsen

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    Hanover

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    wer Saxony

    Holiday DestinationLower Saxonyat its bestOur state is not only very beautiful and extremely varied, it is

    nearly unbeatable in many different respects:

    Lower Saxony has the longest coastline in Germany

    The worlds largest Marksmens festival takes place in Hannover

    Suurhusen boasts the most skewed church spire in the world

    The Alte Land is the largest apple growing region in Germany

    Norderney is home to Germanys oldest North Sea spa and

    largest thalassotherapy centre in Europe

    No one in the world drinks more tea than the East Frisians

    The worlds largest mill museum is in Gifhorn

    One of the worlds most precious books is in the library of

    Wolfenbttel: the Gospel Book of Henry the Lion was acquired

    at auction in 1983 for 32.5 million German marks

    The worlds largest bird park is in Walsrode

    Lower Saxony is the number one asparagus country: In 2013,

    more than 23,000 t of the white gold were harvested on more

    than 5,400 hectares of land

    Curious?

    For more interesting information and further superlatives,

    please visitwww.niedersachsen-tourism.com

    Exceptional nightsThe cities of Lower Saxony boast everything from rustic inns

    to first-class luxury hotels including a couple of peculiarities

    available only here in northern Germany. Have you always

    wanted to spend a night in the perfect silence of a monastery?

    Or bed down with the farm animals in the hay? Or stay overnight

    in a rail car? Or sleep in a real lighthouse? Or even up a tree?

    All this and a great deal more is possible read more at

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

    ContentsHop on and start cycling and discovering!

    Journeys of discovery hiking in Lower Saxony

    On your marks, set, go! Family holidays in Lower Saxony

    Only the very best for you healthy holidays in Lower Saxony

    Wellness de luxe in Lower Saxony

    Unique in the world UNESCO World Heritage sites in Lower Saxony

    Great cityscapes cultural highlights in Lower Saxony

    Lower Saxon traditions and cuisine

    Barrier-free travel in Lower Saxony

    Quality seal of approval: ServiceQualitt Deutschland

    Lower Saxony online

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    IMPRINTPublisherTourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbHEssener Strae 1 30173 Hannovert +49 (0) 511 270488-50f +49 (0) 511 270488-88info@tourismusniedersachsen.dewww.niedersachsen-tourism.comwww.facebook.com/LowerSaxony

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    MapLandesamt fr Geoinformation und LandentwicklungNiedersachsen, Hannover

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    www.pefc.deP EF C/ 04 -31 -1 624 Dr uck | ID: 53 326 -1 308 -10 25

    Nationalpark

    Airport

    ICE railway station

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    Urban centrewith agglomeration

    morethan 100,000 inhabitants

    Rivers

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    morethan 50,000 inhabitants

    morethan 30,000 inhabitants

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    German-dutch UNESCOWorld NaturalHeritage

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    Landscapes as far as the eye can seeThose cycling purely for enjoyment rave about the neverending expanses and beautiful scenery. Endless pathsfollowing idyllic watercourses accompanied by thecreaking of historic mill wheels. Or along majorstreams and rivers eye-to-eye with boats and ships.Breathing in the scent of fresh blossoms as you cyclethrough flowering meadows. On the move along sub-lime paths running atop the dykes sea view and thefriendly bleating of sheep included. And of coursemeandering along intricate paths through woods,heath landscapes and shaded lanes that seem to goon forever.

    Our cycle routes have star credentialsLower Saxony boasts two of the most popular cyclingroutes in Germany the Elberadweg and Weser-Rad-weg. It also features the ADFC-certified quality routesEmsRadweg, Tour de Fries and D-Route 3/EuropeanCycle Route R1, all of whose beauty will quickenthe pulse of cycling enthusiasts. Not to mention suchvaried long-distance cycling routes as the Ilmenau-radweg winding through the Lneburger Heide, the

    Radrundweg Weites Land, the Friedensroute Mns-ter-Osnabrck or the Inter-nationalen Dollard Route.

    Weve thought ofeverythingWhether alone, as a coupleor with friends and family:Lower Saxony has a heartfor cyclists. Just look at thenumerous well-marked daytrip routes in addition tothe 40 long-distance cycle

    Lower Saxony is the perfect placefor cyclists. And for every type ofcycling enthusiast too: whether aloneor in groups, purely for pleasure orcompetitively, on a cycling holidayor a one-day tour. There is somethingfor every cyclist to discover.

    routes. The entire state features inns and cafs ser-ving light, appetising meals to cyclists. Cyclistswelcome is the name of the game at over 800Bett+Bike accommodation options. In other words,here you will find the ideal conditions for an adven-turous day-long tour or a multi-day active holiday.And those looking for added convenience will findhire and charging stations for e-bikes all over.Full-steam aheadThose aiming high and who do not mind breaking outin a sweat will feel right at home in the Harz Moun-tains and in the Solling-Vogler Nature Park. The speciallydeveloped marked trails offer a real challenge tomountain bikers. And of course, road cyclists will alsoget their moneys worth in Lower Saxonys mountainsand flatlands: those looking to pedal with a view can

    go on almost forever

    Hop on andstart cycling and discovering!

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    Interactive cyclingEven more suggestions and tips about cycling holidayson idyllic routes and routes of historical or culturalinterest are available on www.niedersachsen-

    tourism.com. Descriptions of the long-distancecycle routes and re-gional tour itinera-ries are just as help-ful as the tips on lo-cal attractions. Andof course, you willalso find interestingfacts and inspiringideas for your nextcycling holiday inLower Saxony.

    Cyclists at the EmsRadweg

    Mountain biking an adrenaline-fuelled ride

    Cycling in the Weserbergland

    Taking a break in East Frisia

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    To each his ownThe flat trails of the north and the central part of thestate are ideal for relaxed and enjoyable hikes. Thoselooking for a challenge will find it in the Weserberg-land region with its fortresses and castles, or along thehigh ridges of the Harz Mountains. There are severalpilgrimage routes to choose from for those in search ofinner peace; and adventure awaits on quality trailscertified by trained inspectors like the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, the Heidschnuckenweg or the Weserberglandweg.

    Taking a break from everyday lifeDo you like novelties and surprises? In that case, whynot experience an East Frisian hiking trail with its artisticscarecrows? As you make your way through the cha-racteristic East Frisian landscape, you will encounter24 artistic scarecrows standing up to three metershigh. The Weserberglandweg offers a truly magicalexperience as you went your way past the fabledSababurg fortress to Polle, home to Cinderella, andthen on to Bodenwerder, home of the great liar Baronof Muenchhausen. As soon as the season permits,adventure is a sure thing on a snowshoe hike throughthe Harz Mountains.

    Whether barefoot through the tidal flats,in trekking shoes on the heath or in hikingboots through the Harz Mountains Lower Saxony is a wonderful place toexplore on foot. Fitness level and age areno impediment. Everyone chooses theirown pace here. This holds true for solorunners and tour groups, for recreationalhikers and demanding pro circuit athletesalike you go on for as long as you like.Lower Saxony features both short looptrails that are easy to hike in a single day

    as well as multi-day journeysalong scenic routes.

    Hiking with a little extraYour health will be given a special boost on the terraintherapy hikes found at seaside spas, climatic resortsor mineral baths of which Lower Saxony has several

    to offer. Hiking also bringsyou golden peace of mind:Impressive encounters withthe natural world and so-journs in the countrysideuplift the spirit; a well-de-served break from yourdaily routine will releasefresh reserves of energy.

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    Journeys of discovery on foot

    Are you looking for a special tour? A certainroute length or a particular landscape profile?A route close by to your holiday resort?Onwww.niedersachsen-tourism.comyou will find an overview of the most interestinghiking trails from the north to the south throughall af the various landscapes.

    g in the Lneburger Heide

    Discovering the Harz mountains

    PanoramicviewovertheriverWes

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    On your marks,set, go!

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    Kids are welcomeQuite clearly: Lower Saxony is a holiday paradise forfamilies with children of all ages. Thats why we callit KinderFerienLand Niedersachsen! Theres alwayssomething new to discover here by bike, on horse-back, on foot, or in a canoe, carriage or coveredwagon. On the plains, along the coast and tidal flats, inmeadows and forests, or in the unique heath land-scape, the moorlands, the highlands or the cities thisis really unique!

    Lets go!Climbing, paddling, splashing, playing, or just marvel-ling everything to make kids eyes shine. But LowerSaxony has much more to offer: magical experiencesin the Weserbergland, museums with childrens activi-

    Lower Saxony is clearly at the head ofthe pack in the race for the most exciting,thrilling and entertaining offerings for thelittle ones. Who else could offer such awide spectrum: adventurous overnightstays in the hay hotel, a short stay in a

    country manor, visiting the Romans inthe Osnabrcker Land, having a blast atamusement parks, on the trail of the PiedPiper, muddy adventures in the tidal flats,in a coach drawn through the LneburgerHeide, as a shell seeker at the beach oras an animal researcher at the HannoverAdventure Zoo and lots more besides! ties, creative workshops for little artists, football camps

    for budding footballers, pirate adventures on the highseas, experimentation days for research enthusiasts,an upside-down house, expeditions into the kingdomof the lions the list goes on and on. Not to worry:

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.comgives you aquick overview of all the family offerings available.

    Trust is good knowing is better. Especially when it comes to acti-vities for children. This is why the KinderFerienLandcertification was created in Lower Saxony. This sealof approval is conferred on especially child-friendlyproviders of accommodation, restaurants and amusementand adventure parks that cater to the special needs offamilies to ensure a carefree holiday at all times.

    Discover the Wadden Sea

    ... in all weathers!

    ave fun with your kids ...

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    Only the very best for you!

    Good, better, healthyIf you cherish your health, Lower Saxony is theright place for you. It is a particularly good placeto strengthen your bodys own defences, stabiliseyour cardiovascular system, and restore the balancebetween body and soul. From the Heilstollen radonhealing galleries of Bad Grund to the invigoratingclimate of the North Sea a mixture of sun, wind and

    water holiday destination Lower Saxony has muchto offer. This includes the thalassotherapy treatmentsthat trace their origin to this area. Lower Saxony isyour first destination for healthy holidays in the very

    heart of nature.

    DistinguishedWith 117 official ratings awarded to just under 40spas and health resorts, seven North Sea resorts, 16climatic resorts and more than 50 recreational andcoastal resorts, Lower Saxony has more to offer thanmost neighbouring countries when it comes to health.Even the characteristic landscape features and the re-sulting natural remedies like the invigorating climate,the brine, sulphur, moorlands and water (Kneipp curemethod) will enhance your well-being and help youmaintain or recover your health.

    InnovativeIn addition to classic spa cures and rehabilitativetreatments, Lower Saxony offers numerous innovativehealth-oriented holidays that help you leave yourstress and everyday difficulties behind. Sound nutrition,targeted exercise programmes, special therapies andmassages along with modern medical support are justsome of the building blocks forming the foundation ofyour well-being.

    NaturalIn Lower Saxony, health and nature go hand-in-hand.Whether its a mother-child cure, a rehabilitative stayor a sensible break from everyday life nature helpsyou heal. Whether on a winding walk through thepark or climate walking or breathing therapy exer-cise in a natural setting enhances your well-being,

    strengthens your defences and does a body good.

    Health is our greatest asset.Promoting, restoring and maintainingit should be our top priority. And themost pleasant one too by takingadvantage of everything that LowerSaxony has to offer.

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    Vital and virtualwww.niedersachsen-tourism.comprovides helpful tips for your upcoming healthyholiday.

    Graduation work in Bad Rothenfelde

    park Hahnenklee/Harz

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    Wellness de luxe

    An all-round sense of wellbeingImagine the tingle of sea salt on your skin and the brisksea air liberating your breath and mind. Imagine fee-ling at peace at the sight of green fields and forests,or feeling the scent of nature lift your spirits as youdraw new strength from activities and enjoy yourselfin a meaningful, holistic fashion. All this need not be adream: Lower Saxony offers the ultimate in enjoymentfor body and soul, all very real, with something for

    every taste.

    Wellness compassWith its salty air and the fascination of the sea, thecoast is soothing and stimulating at once. And thetreasures from the depths of the sea do the rest: Al-gae, mud and salt water are true treasures making

    thalassotherapy on the North Sea a real pleasure. Thewestern part of the state is known for its hot springsand wellness landscapes that guarantee perfect rela-xation. In the east, carriage rides along with cyclingand hiking paths through the Lneburger Heide makefor active enjoyment. And dont forget the pampe-ring programme on offer at the Relaxarium or thegourmet menus featuring heath-grazing lamb, freshheath potatoes and local asparagus to revitalise bodyand mind. With the Harz Mountains and the Weser-

    bergland, the south fea-tures a wide variety ofsporting opportunities setamid natural splendour from cycling, walking andhiking, to horseback ridingand canoeing, to crosscountry and even Alpineskiing. The main thing is

    that it does you good!

    World-class holidaysFollowing in the footsteps of unique world historicalevents in Lower Saxony: In Hildesheim two outstandingexamples of religious architecture number among theUNESCO World Heritage sites: St. Marys Cathedraland St. Michaels Church. The Fagus Factory in Alfeld,built in the Bauhaus style by Walter Gropius and AdolfMeyer, was included on the list of UNESCO World He-ritage sites in 2011.

    Glck auf!Glck auf is a traditional greeting between minerswishing each other luck in finding ore and keepingsafe. 1000 years of mining history can be seen andfelt in the Rammelsberg ore mine. Together with theimpressive old town of Goslar it was added to the

    UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992. The UpperHarz Water Management System was added in2010: it is considered to be one of the largest pre-industrial energy supply systems in the world. Immerseyourself in a bygone miners world and see what was

    wrought centuries ago in the Harzhighlands by the hand of man. Its sim-

    ply not possible to visit more WorldHeritage sites in one day!

    Unadulterated natureLower Saxony has fabulous natural landscapes tooffer and a very special World Heritage site: TheWadden Sea, home to more than 10,000 plant andanimal species. This makes Lower Saxonys WaddenSea one of the most prolific habitats in the world. Itsdiversity really comes to life on a guided tour of theseabed of the North Sea at low t ide of course. A fas-cinating insight into the world of the tidal flats inhabi-tants, both large and small, is on offer at the UNESCOWorld Natural Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Centresin Wilhelmshaven andCuxhaven. For thosewishing to experiencethe rhythm of the tidesup close, an adventure

    trip by boat through thenational park has just asmuch to offer as a cycletour or hike along theNorth Sea coast.

    It is no easy feat to attain world-class

    historical significance but Lower Saxony

    has managed it on numerous occasions.

    UNESCO has awarded the coveted

    World Heritage title, which is reserved

    for humanitys most valuable cultural and

    natural sites, to Germanys second-largest

    federal state a total of four times.

    Uniquein the world

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    Quality well-beingWhether you prefer being active or feeling cosy,whether you lean toward excitement or relaxation Lower Saxony has everything you need for a perfectwellness holiday. No matter what you choose, youcan be sure of outstanding quality! You can findeverything about our wellness offerings, alongwith additional details and helpful tips at

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.com/wellnessEnjoy yourself!

    World heritage onlineMore suggestions, tour tips and traveloffers related to Lower Saxonys WorldHeritage sites are available online at:

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.comOld town of Goslar Fagus Factory Alfeld

    TheWaddenSea

    WorldNaturalHeritagesite

    MineofRammelsber

    Upper Harz Water Management System

    Feel the salty sea breeze at the North Sea

    Go ahead and treat yourself Lower Saxony is one of the bestplaces imaginable for a bit ofindulgence. The landscape andclimate offer the perfect conditionsfor a holiday of comfort to revitalise allyour senses. Slow down by taking ahike along the coast or through the HarzMountains; restore your energy on a cycletour along the dykes or on a hike throughthe tidal flats. And while youre at it, whynot enjoy a restorative facial and bodytreatment, relaxing massage or other invi-gorating treatment? Get your groove backin Lower Saxony whether through idleenjoyment or through active relaxation.

    Hildesheim WorldHeritage site St. Michael

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    Lower Saxonys cities are just as variedas its landscapes. Numerous major citiesand regional metropoles with their his-torical city centres offer all the comfortand culture your heart desires. Numerouswellknown university cities provide im-

    petus and fresh ideas, while coastal andport cities exude a maritime flair. Thrillingfestivals and world-class cultural highlightsawait you throughout the state. Add tothat an incredible variety of shoppingfrom outlets to designer boutiques. Notto mention the culinary temptations to beenjoyed with all your senses. Let yourselfbe surprised and enchanted youll returnhome full of new impressions and wonder-ful experiences.

    Every city is uniqueWhether in the Lneburger Heide, in the HarzMountains, in the Weserbergland or in East Frisia every single city in Lower Saxony has its ownunique charm. The state capital of Hannover is

    known as the compact trade show and eventcity. Almost half the metropolitan area ismade up of parks, forests and bodies ofwater. No other major German city offersthis combination of urban living and na-ture. But there is much to discover inother parts of the state as well: Osna-brck is where the Treaty of West-phalia was signed, while Hamelnis the home of the Pied Piper.With their salty air and sea-going tradition, seaside citieslike Cuxhaven and Emden

    offer a unique atmosphere, as do the historical Hanse-atic cities of Lneburg and Stade. On the other hand,as one of the youngest cities in Lower Saxony, Wolfs-burg makes a very modern impression the phnoscience centre designed by Zaha Hadid alone makesthe city worth visiting.The cities of Lower Saxony will quicken the pulse of

    architectural enthusiasts. There are architecturalhighlights almost everywhere: the UNESCO World

    Heritage sites in the heart of vibrant cities likeGoslar and Hildesheim. Or the fascinating

    award-winning architecture of the Fagus Fac-tory in Alfeld, built by Bauhaus founderWalter Gropius. Or the venerable Georg-

    Augusta University in Gttingen. Or theFelix Nussbaum Building by star ar-

    chitect Daniel Libeskind in Osna-brck. And Celles historic town cen-

    tre boasts nearly 500 originalhalf-timbered houses dating fromthe sixteenth century, the mostastonishing in Europe. And so

    much more ...

    Culture and cuisineLower Saxony is the land of cultural and culinary de-lights alike. From theatre to vaudeville, from concertsto cabaret, from gala evenings to live performances.Whether open-air, on the big stage, in a hidden court-yard theatre or at the State Opera. Lower Saxony wel-comes lovers of the fine arts with an incredible varietyof museums, exhibits and galleries. The culinary de-lights of Lower Saxony are as diverse as the regionsthemselves: from award-winning gastronomy to speci-ality restaurants to tasty local meals served at char-ming corner pubs. And for those who like to wear thechefs hat themselves, countless street markets featurean endless selection of fresh ingredients ...

    Always something going onLower Saxonys event calendar is packed fromworld-famous events like the International FireworksCompetition in Hannover, the International HndelFestival in Gttingen or the International Film Festival

    in Oldenburg, to regional highlights like LneburgersSlfmeistertage (Lneburgs master salt maker event)or Wilhelmshavens Weekend on the Jade, along withnumerous local festivals. During the month of Decem-ber, nearly all of Lower Saxonys towns are graced by

    idyllic Christmas markets that sweeten the month-longwait until the big festival.

    Sightseeing with a twistThere are many ways to get acquainted with the citiesof Lower Saxony. In addition to classic city tours andwalking tours, hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tours offer

    the ultimate in flexibility. Bicycles and Segways arealso great ways to experience the cities. There is aunique tourist highlight awaiting visitors to Hannoveras well: the Red Thread walk leading visitors alonga variety of sights and attractions. Lets go!

    Greatcityscapes

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    Discover Lower Saxony with one click!For excursion tips, event highlights andculinary delights go to:

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.com

    The state capital of Hannover

    phno Science Center Wolfsburg

    ChristmasmarketsinLowerSaxony

    OldtownofGoslar

    Maritime harbour cities

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    Denn man too lets speak Platt!In Lower Saxony, with typical economy of words, ahearty moin (good morning) says it all right throughthe day. The greeting always comes straight from theheart and is used throughout the day and evening towelcome another person. And more than that, LowerSaxonys northwestern part boasts a linguistic peculi-arity: Plattdeutsch (Low German), which dominatedthe entire North European culture and commercialregion during the Middle Ages, has not only stayedalive in this area, but is steadily gaining new fansalmost every day. Magazines, radio broadcasts anddictionaries op Platt are more popular than ever.Fancy finding out more? Denn man too (go for it)!

    Winsome witchcraftFor hundreds of years the witches assembleevery year during the night beforethe First of May on the Hexentanz-platz (Witches Ballroom)to fly on brooms, pitch-forks or animals to theBlocksberg to wed thedevil or so the storygoes. The WalpurgisNight celebration is longestablished as the most popu-lar in the Lower Saxon Uplands. Tens of

    thousands of visitors celebrate until the morning lightand delight in the many cultural events.

    Pipe down ...... and drink up. The traditional Hanoveriandrink, Lttje Lage, a beer and liquor mix, requires

    a certain skill: two glasses must be held simultane-ously in one hand in such a way that the 32%

    liquor mixes with the specially brewed LttjeLage beer to whet the whistle of many th irsty

    visitor.

    Flowering Lneburger HeideEach year in August, the Lneburger Heide regioncelebrates its Heath Blossom festivals with a variedprogramme of events and parades. The election of

    the Heath Queen is the annual highlight. By t he way:Men, too, can be elected but only as the Heath Ram,but still ...

    Delicious LabskausFrom Michelin star cuisine in the cities to the idylliccourtyard cafs in rural areas an almost boundlessculinary variety spans across Lower Saxony. A specialhighlight is certainly Labskaus, a North German meatdish consisting mainly of pured pickled meat. Puredbecause it used to be staple food of sailors who werenot able to chew meet due to their poor, painful stateof their teeth. Nowadays, Labskaus is often refinedwith potatoes, pickled herring, onions and beetroot.Gourmands love it!

    Enjoy our typical winter treat:kale and Pinkel

    Cooked kale with a smoked sausage (Pinkel) isanother culinary treat from the Northern region ofLower Saxony. However the Pinkel, a smokedand coarsely ground sausage, is often replaced by

    Kassler, a slice of curedand smoked beef, or othercoarse sausages such asKohlwurst, Bregenwurst orbratwurst. In addition to thetraditional delicacies suchas kale, asparagus andprawns, Lower Saxons alsolike buckwheat pancakes called Bookweiten-Jan-Hinnerk, Welf pudding, elderflower soup known asFleddersopp or baked apples, called Puttppel.

    Bon apptit!

    Sweet cultureHannovers Leibniz biscuit is very tasty testimony toLower Saxonys unique enrichment of German culina-ry culture. But it is by far not the only one: all of LowerSaxony is particularly focused on sweet culture andin particular on the fine art of chocolate making. Themost recent example is a rather unconventional de-light from Lneburg: a salted praline. The hand-madecomposition made of high-quality caramel ganachewill take you to heaven and back.

    All about cowsFrom the barn to the milkingstation, on the Lower Saxontheme route Milchstrae(milk street) everything revolvesaround milk. Following four

    cycling routes, cyclists of allages will gain fascinatinginsights into the modern dairyindustry. By arrangement,farmers open up their gates to allow visitors to seetheir facilities. Groups can test their knowledge ofmilk and obtain a Masters in Dairy.

    Welcome to the country of 16 differentnatural landscapes, with unique animaland plant species and scenic contrasts:from the hillsides steeped in legends to thenorthern lowlands, and the rural idyll ofthe citys cultural and shopping variety. Theendless Wadden seascape and swell inthe north, the soft rolling hills of the Lne-burger Heide to the east, river landscapesin the west and the almost 1000 metrehigh Wurmberg in the south. All of that isjust as characteristic of Lower Saxony as itsproverbial storm-proof and down-to-earthinhabitants, their culinary specialities andtheir sometimes comical and endearingquirks.

    Lower Saxon traditions and cuisine

    For even more Lower Saxon quirks,please go to:

    www. niedersachsen-tourism.com

    Lttje Lage

    The Lneburger Heide

    Cooked kale

    Melkhs

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    Barrier-freetravel

    Hosts of excellence ServiceQualitt Deutschland in Lower Saxony

    Lower Saxony online

    Every guest is welcome in Lower Saxony becauseLower Saxony has something special to offer everyguest. Many people would like to travel, but are loo-king for a special type of service. This goes especiallyfor families with small children, older travellers, andfor people with handicaps or health problems. Doesthis describe you? Then let us inspire you to come visitLower Saxony. Any holiday in Lower Saxony offers

    accommodation with superior comfort and service.We place great emphasis on hospitality, includingofferings aimed specifically at those with restrictedmobility and their families and companions. LowerSaxony has a wide range of offerings to meet and sur-pass the expectations of holidaymakers with special

    needs. Throughout Lower Saxony, you will find adazzling variety of holiday offers for everyone. Someregions have their own websites or brochures dedica-ted to barrier-free travel to assist you in selecting theright destination, e.g. by providing local accessibilityinformation.Visitwww.niedersachsen-tourism.comfor moreinformation and suggestions.

    Q a sign of distinctionA business which has been awarded the Q markof excellence offers more service, more customer-friendliness and simply more hospitality to its guests.These businesses not only want to satisfy their guests,they want to ensure that their guests enjoy an ex-ceptional holiday. The most sincere form of thankyou is for guests to tell their friends about their won-derful holidays and ideally come back the followingyear.

    You can rely on itNearly 400 service pro-viders from a range ofindutries in Lower Saxo-ny have already beencertified with the Qmark of excellence and more than 4,000already in the whole ofGermany!

    Do you enjoy browsing online for your next holidayideas? Then you are in the best of hands at the Internetportalwww.niedersachsen-tourism.com. Hereyou will find extensive, up-to-date information aboutLower Saxony clearly organized into categories likeCycling, Hiking, Spas and Health, Events, Accommo-dation, Seasonal, Travel Information and much more.

    Of course, the portal also features lots of insider tipsand specific travel suggestions from a weekend atthe hay hotel to a culinary journey along the Aspara-gus Route, to city tours or lively family holidays.A particularly practical feature is the interactive mapthat lets you keep track of everything during yourholiday planning.

    We speak many languagesLower Saxony is international and is happy towelcome guests from around the world. Wehave dedicated travel portals in the followinglanguages:

    www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de (German)

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.com(English)

    www.vakantieland-nedersaksen.nl(Dutch)

    www.ferie-niedersachsen.dk(Danish)

    www.semesterlandet-niedersachsen.se(Swedish)

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    Barrier-free travel in Lower Saxony

    Hosts in Lower Saxony believe in not only making their guests feel at home, but also

    in ensuring that their guests return home filled with enthusiasm about their holidays.

    Thanks to the ServiceQualitt Deutschland (seal of quality) cer tificate,

    abbreviated to Q, it is very easy to find such special hosts.

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    in spiration niedersachsen

    TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbHEssener Strae 1 30173 Hannovert +49 (0) 511 270488-50f +49 (0) 511 [email protected]

    www.niedersachsen-tourism.comwww.facebook.com/LowerSaxony

    The latest brochures and leaflets for theHoliday Destination Lower Saxony can beobtained online at no cost by going towww.niedersachsen-tourism.com or bycalling +49 (0) 511/270 488-50.