Discover Uelzen: Art, Old Town and Nature

Art and special details around the city

Uelzen’s Hundertwasser Station was redesigned based on plans by Friedensreich Hundertwasser as an external project for EXPO 2000. Art, ecology and modernity come together in this building. Another stop for art lovers is the Path of Stones, which leads from the station into the town centre: 21 brightly painted rock sculptures line the route. The 21 granite blocks are spaced 50 to 100 metres apart; each weighs 2 to 8 tonnes and is up to 3 metres tall. You can discover the route through its individual objects, which vary in size.

The town relief on Herzogenplatz shows Uelzen as it was in 1646. It stands on a granite plinth, measures 1 metre wide and 1.30 metres long, and includes explanations in Braille. At Uelzen Museum, original artefacts documenting the town’s cultural history take centre stage: the museum preserves and documents them for research and educational purposes and makes them accessible to the public in exhibitions. In this way, the townscape brings together artworks in the open air and a place where cultural history can be explored through exhibitions.

Old Town and historic buildings

The Gothic hall church of St. Mary defines Uelzen’s skyline. Construction took around 100 years and was completed by 1400; the tower is 86 metres high and visible when approaching from every direction. Guided tower climbs are available in the summer months. The gable of the Gildehaus dates from the 15th century and is decorated with glazed tiles and foliage. As you walk through the town centre, you can take in the townscape and architectural history through details like these.

The Gertrudenkapelle stands in front of the former town gate, Gudestor. It was built in the early 16th century and served as both a place of worship and an inn for travellers. At Schnellenmarkt, an artwork created by Georg Münchbach in 1980 recalls earthenware drinking vessels known as “Schnellen.” Pottery markets were held in the square from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The chapel and Schnellenmarkt thus tell different stories about the town’s former functions and traditions.

You can start a self-guided walk through the historic town centre at the town and tourist information office in the town hall or at the town model. The model offers an introduction before you explore the town centre’s buildings and artworks for yourself. If culture and local history are of particular interest to you, these stops can be the focus of your trip.

City forest, water and outdoor activities

Wildgatter Uelzen is a small zoo in the city forest. Its highlights include native animal species, the Uelzen eagle owl and an elevated viewing platform for visitors. A carriage ride gives families or groups of up to 25 people the chance to discover Uelzen, the city forest or the wildlife enclosure from a relaxed, new perspective. If you’re looking for an activity to enjoy together during your holiday, you can add this option to your plans alongside a walk through the town centre.

On the eastern edge of the Hanseatic town, Woltersburger Mühle lies between deciduous woodland and water. The neighbouring forest and surrounding area invite you to go hiking and cycling. Uelzen is also at the centre of the Uelzen cycling holiday region, certified by the German Cyclists’ Federation (ADFC). This means your holiday plans can include both activities around town and cycling as a regional highlight.

Ratsteich pond is surrounded by a meadow, parkland and places to eat; it is also home to numerous waterbirds. Canoes and kayaks are used on the pond. Uelzen’s sports boat harbour has a restaurant, sanitary facilities, equipment for boating and a yacht club. Each of these places offers its own setting for enjoying the water, nature and time outdoors.

Local produce and choosing a focus

Vitalmarkt Uelzen in the town centre offers meat, fish, cheese, baked goods, plants, fruit and vegetables from regional producers. For travellers who enjoy discovering local produce, it’s another facet of a visit to the town. Together with the museum, Old Town and public art, it makes for a culturally focused stay; the city forest, mill and cycling holiday region are better suited to days spent outdoors and in nature. When choosing a holiday apartment in Uelzen, you can consider which of these interests you would like to shape your stay.

More places

More destination pages: Hanstedt, Gerdau, Wriedel, Bad Bevensen, Schwienau, Suhlendorf, Emmendorf, Altenmedingen.

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