Marina Mehlbergen

Drive or cycle to Nienburg (20 minutes’ drive) to see its stunning half-timbered buildings. Set on the river Weser, the town is also surrounded by marshland, forests and heather areas, so if you want to continue cycling, driving or hiking further afield, you very much have the means to do so on the local trails. Occasional events may be held in Nienburg such as the Old Town Festival and asparagus festival too. Hoya (20 minutes) is also on the Weser cycling trail and is full of gorgeous scenery and historic old buildings. Quench your first at one of the riverfront restaurants, perhaps, or ask around about the local legends (dwarfs, and so on…). If a non-negotiable for any holiday is a day by the water, take the time to drive south towards Steinhuder Meer (50 minutes). Here, there are plenty of chances to take a dip, whether at one of the lakefront beaches or by taking a sailing, paddleboarding or kitesurfing class. Steinhuder Meer is the largest lake in Lower Saxony, just so you know for bucket-list purposes.