The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Wildeshausen

When the heather is in bloom, it's a beautiful landscape, but it's also always charming at other times.

Around 1938, Dietrich Schwarting built a sheepfold on his property at the Pestrup burial ground. He began breeding Heidschnucke sheep and thus acquired a flock, which he tended at the burial ground. After Dietrich Schwarting's death, his son Georg continued the breeding. The sheepfold became dilapidated and too small. The large flock could no longer be accommodated in the sheepfold. The Düngstrup Local History Society planned to build a new sheepfold in 1968. In order to be independent of Schwarting, the building had to be constructed on a different property. On Saturday, February 22, 1969, the new building was handed over to Schwarting, the shepherd, in the presence of many honored guests. In April 1973, disagreements arose with the shepherd. Schwarting sold the flock and his property to emigrate to Canada. At intervals, several shepherds took over the Pestrup burial ground with their flocks. On April 10, 1976, the sheepfold burned down (children playing). After several discussions, it was decided to rebuild the sheepfold. The topping-out ceremony was held on October 15, 1976. Many shepherds followed suit. On August 18, 1981, a barn for straw, fodder, and hay was built behind the sheepfold. Afterward, the sheepfold was no longer used. Politicians suggested another use, which the local history society did not approve. The forestry administration now takes over grazing the burial ground and finds a suitable herd of Heidschnuck sheep in Wagenfeld-Ströhen. The Teerling family, from the Teerling shepherd's farm, makes the herd available twice a year. This is how the three-way alliance works: Teerling the sheep, the forestry office the burial ground, and the Düngstrup local history society the sheepfold complex. On the night of February 26, 1981, the sheepfold was taken over. On February 27, 2011, the sheepfold burned down again (arson). The local history society was not discouraged and began rebuilding. On May 12, 2012, the sheepfold was dedicated with an ecumenical service. Source: https://heimatverein-duengstrup.de/der-schafkoben-auf-dem-pestruper-graeberfeld/

The 39-hectare heathland of the Pestrup burial ground contains 531 burial mounds from the late Bronze Age (900–200 BC). It is the largest burial ground in Northern Europe that is still visible. As with the megalithic tombs, the ducal government in Oldenburg also undertook conservation work here. In 1909, the burial ground became state property through government purchase and has since been protected as a natural and cultural monument. Source: https://heimatverein-duengstrup.de/der-schafkoben-auf-dem-pestruper-graeberfeld/

The entire area is heavily waterlogged and partly impassable. A nature reserve. In places, shallow peat bogs are cut by farmers. Paths are overgrown and mostly impassable. Remains of old Hunte River loops with open water.

The Wildeshausen Geest is considered an insider tip for a journey into worlds long past and a true paradise for archaeology enthusiasts. It's not for nothing that experts refer to this region as the "classic square mile of prehistory." Here, visitors can expect to discover countless nationally renowned prehistoric masterpieces that offer a deep dive into the history of humanity. In the Wildeshausen Geest, you will encounter fascinating relics from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, offering an exciting journey through the development of early human civilizations. The 5,000-year-old monumental megalithic tombs characterize the landscape. These burial sites, scattered throughout the region, bear witness to a time when humans first formed a cultural landscape here and cultivated it for agriculture and settlement. They are among the oldest and most fascinating archaeological sites in the Wildeshausen Geest and amaze visitors with the technological capabilities and community spirit of the societies of that time. Source: https://www.wildeshausergeest.org/erholt-erleben/ausflugsziel-gehenswuerdigkeiten/archaeologie

Burgwiese City Park, the former town site of Wildeshausen Castle, hosts regular events such as Summer Culture (every Sunday morning during the summer months) and the opening event of the Guild Festival on Whitsun Sunday, with a tattoo and fireworks. The bandshell, a fountain, a Kneipp pool, a large green area, a children's playground, and its direct location on the Hunte River make Burgwiese a central meeting place in the climatic health resort. From here, you can set off on foot or by bike along various signposted trails into the beautiful natural surroundings. Source: https://tourismus.meinestadt.de/poi-detail/2076

The heath is in full bloom. August and September are the best months to enjoy this splendor.

It's really beautiful here. It's definitely worth a visit.