Through the marsh

Originally used as pasture land, today it is mostly used for agriculture. The circular route leads from the old village of Achim into the Achim Marsh, passing by the historic St. Laurentius Church and the thatched Gallery Dutch Windmill, an orchard, and a distinct hedge landscape.Tip: Take a look back at the village of Achim. Even the travel writer August Freudenthal describes in the second book of his Heidefahrten in 1892 the stately beautiful landscape and the view of the picturesque Achim.Directions:Start the hike at the historic St. Laurentius Church (1) in the old village of Achim. The dark blue hiking trail signs start at the parking lot.Walk down the Kleine Kirchenstraße in a southerly direction via the stairs. At the end, turn right onto Unterstraße and then turn left after a few meters. As the street name Zur Achimer Marsch indicates, the path leads from here into the marsh (2). On the left is the rainwater retention basin (3), then cross the bridge over the drainage ditch (4), you will see a memorial stone (5) and the orchard (6) in front of you. Take the right path and continue straight ahead. Tip: Notice the marsh landscapes interspersed with typical hedges (7) along the way. In the southern part of the circular route, stay on the paved hiking trail and turn left twice (8 and 9).(Shortcut: From here you can take a shorter route with a particularly beautiful view of the village of Achim straight back to Unterstraße and St. Laurentius Church.)For the return trip, we recommend turning right and following the path past Restaurant Hirtenhaus (10) towards Marsch-Anna-Weg until you reach the street An der Marsch. Turn left at Marsch and walk a short distance until you reach a small footpath on the right. This path leads to the street Zum Wischkamp. Turn left, follow the street for a short distance, and on the right, a small path leads up the Geesthang. From there, you will reach the street Am Westerfeld. Turn left and pass directly by the Achim Windmill (11). Continue straight ahead onto Mühlenstraße and then turn left onto Marschstraße. Follow Langenstraße and Unterstraße to return to the starting point of the hiking trail and St. Laurentius Church.Places of Interest/Information:(1) St. Laurentius Church and the old village of Achim:First mentioned in 1257, the building is the oldest structure in the city. The church served as a refuge during times of war and fires. Originally built as a Romanesque fieldstone structure, the church was later expanded with two chapels. Notable features include the pulpit from 1631, the late Baroque altar from 1750, and a late Romanesque baptismal font. www.st-laurentius-achim.de, Church tours: Tourist Information Achim, Tel. (04202) 2949, www.achim.de.The area with the historic St. Laurentius Church and the surrounding buildings is known as the Achim Peasant Quarter or the old village of Achim. Also noteworthy here is the Clüverhaus (Große Kirchenstraße 1), a typical Lower Saxon two-post timber-framed farmhouse, which now houses an inclusive café.(2) Achim Marsh:The Achim Marsh is a mixed agricultural and pasture marsh. As part of the vast Weser Marsh, it serves as an important resting place for wild geese, swans, and waders during bird migration seasons. In winter months, large groups of whooper swans can often be observed here. Since 1974, the Achim Marsh has been under landscape protection.(3) Rainwater Retention Basin:The rainwater retention basin provides plants and animals with an alternative habitat to the filled-in old waters and pools in the Weser floodplain. This area used to be the villages fire pond.(4) Memorial Stone:Under a small oak grove, you will find the memorial stone for Melioration (Latin for soil improvement - to increase agricultural productivity). It commemorates the construction of the concrete road from 1957 to 1960. This road was part of the Green Plan program to make marshland farming more effective and easier.(5) Bridge over the Drainage Ditch:The Achim Marsh is part of the Aller-Weser glacial valley. It is believed that in the late Middle Ages, the Aller River flowed through here before joining the Weser at Bierden.(6) Orchard:From apples to cherries, quinces, and walnuts: There are now more than 100 fruit trees on the roughly one-hectare orchard established by NABU. Its structural diversity promotes the settlement of birds and insects. The orchard represents the traditional form of fruit cultivation. Special emphasis was placed on cultivating old, native standard varieties that are rarely found today. Orchards used to serve as a food source and pasture. The area is open to the public. Tip: Take note of the informative signboards!(7) Hedge Landscape:The Achim Marsh still has a well-developed hedge landscape today. Hedges were more resilient to frequent floods than fences. They connect different habitats and provide cover, food, nesting sites, and perches. Ideally, hedges consist of herbaceous borders, shrubs (typically hawthorn), and overhanging trees (usually oaks and ash).(8) Historical Brickworks and Historic Towpath:Hidden by hedges in front of us lies the Weser River. In the mid-19th century, several brickworks operated by Achim farmers were located on the meadows directly by the Weser. The bricks produced were loaded onto ships on the Weser, transported to Bremen, and sold there.Along the Weser bank ran the towpath, also known as the towpath. This path had to be kept clear of hedges and fences because it was used by people, known as towmen or tow pullers, to pull cargo ships upstream. Later, horse-drawn carriages and steam-powered towboats took over this arduous task.(9) Historical Bathing Area:Ahead of us flows the Weser River. From 1880, this area by the river was used as a bathing area. In 1888, a wooden cabin was built, creating the first bathing facility in Achim. Through expansion and later relocation of the bathing area, swimming festivals and sports competitions were held here until 1959.(10) Hirtenhaus Marsch Anna:Initially just a shelter for the shepherd who tended the cattle in summer, a solid shepherds house was built in 1750 and again in 1831. Since 1834, the house has housed a tavern. At that time, passing sailors and towmen were frequent guests. After the opening of the bathing facility, the inn became a popular destination and remains a well-visited restaurant to this day. For a long time, there was also a ferry here that took people to the opposite side of the Weser, known as the English Berg. Tip: Also, pay attention to the information board of the Achimer Heimatverein with historical pictures.(11) Achimer Windmill:The Dutch Gallery Windmill was built in 1761, is 29 m high, two stories tall, and has a thatched tower. In 1912, it was equipped with a wind rose, and later an electric motor was installed. The mill was shut down in the 1960s. Since 1969, the Association for the Preservation of the Achimer Windmill e.V. has maintained the citys landmark. Mill tours: Tourist Information Achim, Tel. (04202) 2949, www.achim.deYou can also find the tour on Komoot.Safety Information:Throughout the tour, it is important to note that the paths are taken at your own risk. There is no guarantee of path usability. In cities/places, increased attention is advised. Be prepared for potential hazards on the tour, such as bollards, barriers, and unsecured crossings.