Hessian Oldendorf - Town of myths, legends, and hidden treasures

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Hessian Oldendorf for friends of fairy tales

Many fairy tales and legends originate in the Weser hill country. Stories have been told here since time immemorial, for instance the tale of the "Oldendorfer Baxmann".

If you visit Hessian Oldendorf on the German Fairy Tale Route, you cannot avoid the Baxmann. He is the protagonist of a bleak legend telling of greed, betrayal, and eternal punishment.

Curious? Then read more (in German) at: www.baxmann.de

Or allow yourself to be enticed through the legendary world of the Weser hill country (Weserbergland) accompanied by historical guides, or strike out alone to discover the legends yourself.

And who knows - you might meet up with the one or other fairytale figure. After all, there's always a kernel of truth in every fairy tale.

The guided city tours can be booked for groups of 10 or more persons at the Tourist Centre Westliches Weserbergland at www.westliches weserbergland.de.

Hessian Oldendorfer Historical Tidbits

The town was founded by the Schaumburger Grafen (Earl) in about 1230 together with Rinteln and Stadthagen. It was conveniently situated for public transport on the Weser and a trade route, serving to solidify the Earl's power. The 16th century was an extremely prosperous time, but by the end of the 30-Years-War, not much of the former affluence remained intact. The masculine line of the Earldom ultimately died out, and Oldendorf came into the possession of Kassel in Hesse by settlement among the heirs. An economic upswing aided by the connection to the railway system in 1875. In 1905 Oldendorf officially added "Hessisch" (Hessian) to its name, to distinguish it from other municipalities with the same name.

Hessian Oldendorf for holiday tourists and day visitors

Take a cycling or hiking tour and discover picturesque villages, fertile valleys and charming beech forests. The landscape around Hessian Oldendorf concentrates all those features that form the particular allure of the Weserberg region: the river, the hills, the unspoiled nature, architectural gems and romanesque building culture.

Take advantage of the well-marked network of cycling and hiking paths to explore the following places of interest:

Schillat cave: In the municipal subdivision of Langenfeld, Germany's northernmost stalactite cave invites children and adults to a geological journey into the past. Children birthdays can also be celebrated here, and groups are likewise welcome.

The cliffs of Hohenstein: they are considereing one of the highlights in the hiking region of the western Weserberg region. Once upon a time Teutons, Cheruscans and Saxons worshipped their gods here on this mysterious, stony ledge of rocks. Hikers enjoy a fabulous panorama view over the Weser valley from this spot.

The Fischbeck convent: one of the oldest convents for ladies of rank in the region presents itself in its enchanted beauty. With its unspoiled retained romanesque construction and the compact design of the complex with cloister, it is a splendid example of medieval cloister tradition.

Münchhausenhof: The knights' castle, located in the core town area of Hessian Oldendorf, and its noteworthy manor house built in Weser Renaissance style, is one of the largest city castles of the Schaumburg aristocracy.

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