BE6 Monasteries and more

39.42 km02:45 h297 hm93 m25 mDownload information about the tour: The 39 km long circular tour starting and ending in Bad Bevensen leads to the heath monasteries in Ebstorf and Medingen. The scenic route offers wide views over meadows and fields at many points. Along the way are two typical heath areas, Klein Bünstorfer Heide and Addenstorfer Heide. Just outside Bad Bevensen, you'll reach Klein Bünstorfer Heide, one of the most beautiful heath areas around Uelzen, with 59 graves preserved under forest and heath, making it one of the largest burial mounds in the Lüneburg Heath. A stop for a break and some delicious regional products can be found at the Obstscheune in Tätendorf-Eppensen. Next stop: Barum. In the center of the village stands the St. Georg Church from the 11th/12th century, with a freestanding bell tower from the 17th century. Open daily from Easter to Harvest Festival from 9 am to 6 pm. Barum is also home to Biolandhof Ellenberg with a farm shop, known for old potato varieties like Blaue Anneliese, Heiderot, or Blauer Schwede. Through Hohenbünstorf, you'll reach Ebstorf. Here, you would need a whole day to see all the noteworthy sights. A legendary place where carp jump for bread in the mill pond, and where a castle once sank. Tip: visit the historical pharmacy museum and the Ebstorf Monastery with an accurate world map from the 13th century and sacred art treasures. For information and tours, call 05822-23 04. Passing through pretty heath villages including Oldendorf II with its meadow café, the tour leads to the Addenstorfer Heide. Though small, it's quite special: a Bronze Age burial mound field (ca. 1500 BC) with 45 burial mounds. Just before the end of the tour, a highlight in Medingen awaits: the Medingen Monastery. After a major fire in 1781, it was rebuilt in the early classical style and now resembles a castle. Its most important treasures include the Abbess' crozier from 1494, the golden reliquary statue of St. Mauritius (15th century), a tapestry (16th century), old silver and porcelain, as well as medieval chests and cabinets. For information and tours, call 05821-96 78 38. The destination, Bad Bevensen, also offers sights like churches and museums. Or you can relax after the bike tour in the spa park, the Jod-Sole-Therme, or by strolling through the city center. Route information: bike paths and low-traffic, paved roads, some sections with field and forest paths. Some sections with 3-4% incline/decline.