Hanseatic City Uelzen Living city on the Ilmenau heath river
The lively town of Uelzen is embedded in the floodplain landscape of the Ilmenau. Modern architecture and historical half-timbered houses meet in the Hanseatic city.
Uelzen is a popular destination in the natural area of the Lüneburger Heide. Travellers by train are welcomed in Uelzen by the unmistakable Hundertwasser railway station.
Colourful Uelzen
Bushes on the roofs, colourful columns and golden balls make the Uelzen railway station unique. It was created as a project for the world exhibition Expo 2000 in Hanover. The Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the station. It was one of his last projects. Colourful mosaics and the rounded corners typical of Hundertwasser remind us of the unique artist inside the station.
The path from the station to the old town is adorned by the "Path of Stones". 21 colourful rocks adorn the street. From animal motifs to fantasy worlds there is much to discover on the stones.
The traces of the Hanseatic time
The unmistakable landmarks of the city are the Gothic St. Mary's churches and the Probstei, which still today houses the church heads of the Hanseatic city. Inside the church the Golden Nave is enthroned. The work of gold-plated copper sheet was probably brought to Uelzen by merchants at the time of the Hanseatic League. The actual origin, age and former use of the monument are still unclear.
Visitors to Uelzen should take a look at the Uhlenkörper monument next to the Church of St. Mary. According to a legend, nobody who touches the coins of the bronze statue and shakes his change at the same time, will suffer financial distress. With this financial security the noble drops can be enjoyed in the neighbouring Ratsweinhandlung without hesitation.
While strolling through the historic old town, the many old buildings catch the eye. Each building tells its own story. In many gable beams of the half-timbered houses the owners have immortalized themselves with pictures and sayings.
Day trip
Uelzen can be reached from Hamburg as a day trip destination. The journey by train takes about one hour, by car it takes a little longer depending on the traffic situation.
