Soltau

Soltau is a modest town on the Lüneburg Heath in North Germany that has gained national prominence largely as a result of the attractions such as the Soltau Therme thermal baths and the Heide Park, one of Germany's biggest amusement parks. The large lake of Südsee is also popular with caravanners, campers and day visitors alike.

The parish of Soltau was founded around 830 by a few farmers, and the first wooden church was built around this time.

Between 1383 and 1388 the village was established, in order to protect against robber barons; this is now the town centre. The castle there was demolished under terms of a treaty. By way of compensation Soltau was given town rights; however, by 1511 the town was completely destroyed by a fire.

The town hall was moved in 1533 and established in an old chapel in Marktstraße. However, by 1567, another fire wiped out the majority of buildings within the town. Much of Soltau was destroyed over the years, especially in the Thirty Years' War, after which all that was left was ruined landscape.

By 1914 Soltau held the largest prisoner-of-war camp in Germany during the First World War. This was the same year that the mining of potassium salts began at Heinrichssegen Shaft, but work was then halted due to the war after having reached a depth of just 6 meters.

Again by April 1945 much of Soltau was destroyed by air raids in which many civilians were killed. Soltau become a British Garrison in 1949 during the Cold War and was home of Headquarters 7th Armoured Brigade. This was handed back in 1993 and is now used for doctors' surgeries and a business centre.

Situated in the heart of the Lüneburg Heath, Soltau is an officially recognized health resort. Here, active hikers and cyclists will find more than 1400 km (875 miles) of well sign-posted trails leading through romantic heath land, peaceful villages, and river valleys.

• Böhme Park. This park has the river Böhme running straight through it. There is a lovely café in the park where you can have coffee and cake whilst you take in the scenery.
• Breidings Garten, Breidingsgarten 5, +49 5191 2620. This English-style garden is on the outskirts of town. The complex includes moorland just as decorative ponds, orchards and giant rhododendrons, an imposing villa garden as an artificial ruin. The garden is owned by a charitable foundation, and always open to the public. Free guided visits will be held monthly.
• Municipal Mill. This listed building has been around since 1384 and is on the river Böhme and was owned by the city until 1817 which is why it was known as the Ratsmühle. The mill was eventually shut down in 1963 and has been empty ever since; however, they wish to turn it into a museum.
• HeideWitzka, Gottfried-von-Cramm-Straße 1, +49 5191 13056. M-F 14:00-19:00, Sa Su 10:00-19:00. This is of fun for big and small children, with trampolines, a go-kart track, climbing the volcano and many more attractions. The indoor bistro offers a delicious variety of food for the all family. Children under 2 are free, children over 2 €6.90, adult €4.90.
• Toy Museum, Poststraße 7, +49 5191 82182. Daily 10:00-18:00. The museum exhibits toys from over four centuries. There are many different toys to see from doll's houses, railways, wooden toys and a wide range of teddy bears and stuffed toys. You may also get the chance to play with some of the toys. A good day out for all the family. Adult €4, child €2.
• Holy Spirit Church in Wolterdingen. Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-18:00. Outside these hours you can get the key from a nearby rectory. A small Gothic church (begun in 1396) constructed of brick with a detached wooden bell tower with very old bells (the oldest one dates back to 1350). In 1925 another Art Nouveau aisle was added to the church. The church was reconstructed between 1998 and 2001.

Böhme Park. This park has the river Böhme running straight through it. There is a lovely café in the park where you can have coffee and cake whilst you take in the scenery.

Breidings Garten, Breidingsgarten 5, +49 5191 2620. This English-style garden is on the outskirts of town. The complex includes moorland just as decorative ponds, orchards and giant rhododendrons, an imposing villa garden as an artificial ruin. The garden is owned by a charitable foundation, and always open to the public. Free guided visits will be held monthly.

Municipal Mill. This listed building has been around since 1384 and is on the river Böhme and was owned by the city until 1817 which is why it was known as the Ratsmühle. The mill was eventually shut down in 1963 and has been empty ever since; however, they wish to turn it into a museum.

HeideWitzka, Gottfried-von-Cramm-Straße 1, +49 5191 13056. M-F 14:00-19:00, Sa Su 10:00-19:00. This is of fun for big and small children, with trampolines, a go-kart track, climbing the volcano and many more attractions. The indoor bistro offers a delicious variety of food for the all family. Children under 2 are free, children over 2 €6.90, adult €4.90.

Toy Museum, Poststraße 7, +49 5191 82182. Daily 10:00-18:00. The museum exhibits toys from over four centuries. There are many different toys to see from doll's houses, railways, wooden toys and a wide range of teddy bears and stuffed toys. You may also get the chance to play with some of the toys. A good day out for all the family. Adult €4, child €2.

Holy Spirit Church in Wolterdingen. Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-18:00. Outside these hours you can get the key from a nearby rectory. A small Gothic church (begun in 1396) constructed of brick with a detached wooden bell tower with very old bells (the oldest one dates back to 1350). In 1925 another Art Nouveau aisle was added to the church. The church was reconstructed between 1998 and 2001.

• Heide Park, Heidepark 1, +49 180 5919101. Daily 10:00-18:00. The Heide Park is the largest theme park in northern Germany with over 50 attractions. This park holds the record for the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in Europe complete with a 61° drop. Offers a great day out for all the family. Adults €37, children (4-11) €30, under 4's are free, €5 parking.

Heide Park, Heidepark 1, +49 180 5919101. Daily 10:00-18:00. The Heide Park is the largest theme park in northern Germany with over 50 attractions. This park holds the record for the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in Europe complete with a 61° drop. Offers a great day out for all the family. Adults €37, children (4-11) €30, under 4's are free, €5 parking.

• Soltau Therme, Mühlenweg 17, +49 5191 84481. M 10:00-22:00, Tu-Su 10:00-22:00. Fun for all ages from babies through to seniors, there is something for everyone. There are three pools, one for children, salt water and an outside pool. There is plenty of space to relax next to the pools or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness centre. There is an onsite restaurant where you can indulge in a snack. There is plenty of free parking close to the Therme. Adult €4-16, child €1.50-11.
• Südsee Camp, Südsee camp 1, Wietzendorf (along A7, exit 45 Soltau Sud, towards Celle for 4 km, past the 2nd bridge turn right, at the top turn right, go straight for about 4 km, +49 5196 980116. Daily 08:00-22:00. A five-star campsite where you can pitch your tent, or rent a Swedish cottage, modern chalet or premium caravan. There is plenty to do from swimming in the outside lake or the indoor pool to jungle golf and entertainment. There are many restaurants on site. Also great for a day trip out. Variety of prices for camping and swimming.
• Soltau Golf Club, Hof Loh 7, +49 5191 9676333. 50-minute training session for two €45.
• Soltau Bowling Centre, Lüneburger Straße 103, +49 5191 5050. Tu-F 17:00-24:00, Sa 15:00-24:00, Su 15:00-22:00. The bowling centre has 12 modern and fully automatic lanes with computer supported screens which show all the results. Play pool, darts or table football or have a meal in the on-site bistro where you can watch the action of the game. Experience moonlight-bowling every Friday from 22:00-24:00 with lights, music and bowling all fused together.
• Skate Park, Vor dem Weiherbusch. Test out your skills on your skates or skate board at the park where jumps and ramps are provided.

Soltau Therme, Mühlenweg 17, +49 5191 84481. M 10:00-22:00, Tu-Su 10:00-22:00. Fun for all ages from babies through to seniors, there is something for everyone. There are three pools, one for children, salt water and an outside pool. There is plenty of space to relax next to the pools or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness centre. There is an onsite restaurant where you can indulge in a snack. There is plenty of free parking close to the Therme. Adult €4-16, child €1.50-11.

Südsee Camp, Südsee camp 1, Wietzendorf (along A7, exit 45 Soltau Sud, towards Celle for 4 km, past the 2nd bridge turn right, at the top turn right, go straight for about 4 km, +49 5196 980116. Daily 08:00-22:00. A five-star campsite where you can pitch your tent, or rent a Swedish cottage, modern chalet or premium caravan. There is plenty to do from swimming in the outside lake or the indoor pool to jungle golf and entertainment. There are many restaurants on site. Also great for a day trip out. Variety of prices for camping and swimming.

Soltau Golf Club, Hof Loh 7, +49 5191 9676333. 50-minute training session for two €45.

Soltau Bowling Centre, Lüneburger Straße 103, +49 5191 5050. Tu-F 17:00-24:00, Sa 15:00-24:00, Su 15:00-22:00. The bowling centre has 12 modern and fully automatic lanes with computer supported screens which show all the results. Play pool, darts or table football or have a meal in the on-site bistro where you can watch the action of the game. Experience moonlight-bowling every Friday from 22:00-24:00 with lights, music and bowling all fused together.

Skate Park, Vor dem Weiherbusch. Test out your skills on your skates or skate board at the park where jumps and ramps are provided.

• Railcar 'Anteater', Soltau Train station, platform 5, +49 5191 828282. Every Sunday from July to September 10:00. Provides tourist trips on a railcar from 1937 through Luneburg Heide, from Soltau - Luhegrund - Bispingen - Döhle and back again. There is a three-hour stop over in Döhle for people to get off and stretch their legs whilst looking around. Adult €15, child €7.50, bicycle €3.

Railcar 'Anteater', Soltau Train station, platform 5, +49 5191 828282. Every Sunday from July to September 10:00. Provides tourist trips on a railcar from 1937 through Luneburg Heide, from Soltau - Luhegrund - [[Bispingen]] - Döhle and back again. There is a three-hour stop over in Döhle for people to get off and stretch their legs whilst looking around. Adult €15, child €7.50, bicycle €3.

• Schützenfest, Mühlenweg 17, +49 5191 17554. Four days between June/July. This annual four-day festival offers plenty of drink and Bratwurst stands.
• Backofenfest, Breidingsgarten. Takes place in July and August for two days. This festival allows different regional gastronomic specialties that are served directly from a stone oven. This is a very social event with a folklore programme.
• Soltauer Sommer, Hagen 6, +49 5191 82197. August. This takes place throughout August and offers a series of cultural open-air events such as poetry-reading, series of lectures, great small-scale performing arts and concerts.

Schützenfest, Mühlenweg 17, +49 5191 17554. Four days between June/July. This annual four-day festival offers plenty of drink and Bratwurst stands.

Backofenfest, Breidingsgarten. Takes place in July and August for two days. This festival allows different regional gastronomic specialties that are served directly from a stone oven. This is a very social event with a folklore programme.

Soltauer Sommer, Hagen 6, +49 5191 82197. August. This takes place throughout August and offers a series of cultural open-air events such as poetry-reading, series of lectures, great small-scale performing arts and concerts.

There are a wide variety of shops from clothes, pets, electronics and homeware. Although the town is only small there is something for everyone. Majority of the shops are half-timbered and it is quite enjoyable to sit and watch the world go by in the town square. The shops are open M-F until 18:00, Sa until roughly 17:00 and they are all closed on Sun.

Just on the outskirts of Soltau is an industrial estate where you can find electrical shops, there is also a small shopping centre with a few shops that include furniture, clothes, pets and a food shop. In the centre of Soltau is another small shopping complex with a C&A and shoe shop.

• Soltau Farmers Market, Georges-Lemoine-Platz. This takes place every Saturday and sells fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.
• Tee in Soltau, Hagen 18, +49 5191 70910. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. This small shop sells a number of different types of tea and liquor. There is also the chance to purchase different types of mugs and candles. Price varies.
• Cheese and Wine - H.D Beddies, Burg 8, +49 5191 14494. Su-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 07:30-13:30. This small shop specialises in different cheeses around Europe. There is also the opportunity to purchase different wines, cognac and whiskey. There is also a little bistro on site. Price varies.
• Designer Outlet Soltau, Rahrsberg 7, +49 5191 60280. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. Open in 2012, over 60 designer brands at 13,500 m². Special features include half-timbered houses with thatched roofs.

Soltau Farmers Market, Georges-Lemoine-Platz. This takes place every Saturday and sells fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Tee in Soltau, Hagen 18, +49 5191 70910. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. This small shop sells a number of different types of tea and liquor. There is also the chance to purchase different types of mugs and candles. Price varies.

Cheese and Wine - H.D Beddies, Burg 8, +49 5191 14494. Su-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 07:30-13:30. This small shop specialises in different cheeses around Europe. There is also the opportunity to purchase different wines, cognac and whiskey. There is also a little bistro on site. Price varies.

Designer Outlet Soltau, Rahrsberg 7, +49 5191 60280. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. Open in 2012, over 60 designer brands at 13,500 m². Special features include half-timbered houses with thatched roofs.

Soltau is in the Luneburg Heide region where the Heideschnucke (moorland sheep) is bred on the moors where they feast on heather and birch tree shoots. It is often found on many of the restaurant menus and has a gamey flavour to it, it is often compared to venison.

• Café Chocolat, Bornemann Str. 7, +49 5191 975313. 24 hours. This modern café is on the outskirts of Böhme park. It is has a wide variety of chocolate and coffee drinks on offer, with snacks and cakes. Low.
• Miss Peppers, Am Hanfberg 7 - Wietzendorf (exit 45 on the A7, +49 5191 979301. 24 hours. Authentic American cuisine set in a 1950s style diner. Popular truckers' stop. low.
• Ninis Café, Poststraße 8, +49 5191 939476. Daily 09:00-18:00. This is a small modern café with a wide variety of different teas, coffees and hot chocolates. Homemade cakes or pies from black forest cake, chocolate cream, marzipan cake or fresh fruit cake. A delicious breakfast buffet is very popular and is available daily from 09:00 to 13:00 which includes fresh bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, salmon and ham, homemade fruit salad and cottage cheese, jams, cereals, cheese and yogurt. Breakfast from €7-9.
• Pascha-imbiß III, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 13, +49 5091 2332. Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00, Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 10:30-22:00. There is a choice of different kebab meat that you can have with salad and sauces, or have a curry-wurst and chips which is equally as nice.
• Stadt Cafe, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 5, +49 5191 12711. Daily 09:00-18:00. This friendly café can be found in the centre of Soltau. €3-8.

Café Chocolat, Bornemann Str. 7, +49 5191 975313. 24 hours. This modern café is on the outskirts of Böhme park. It is has a wide variety of chocolate and coffee drinks on offer, with snacks and cakes. Low.

Miss Peppers, Am Hanfberg 7 - Wietzendorf (exit 45 on the A7, +49 5191 979301. 24 hours. Authentic American cuisine set in a 1950s style diner. Popular truckers' stop. low.

Ninis Café, Poststraße 8, +49 5191 939476. Daily 09:00-18:00. This is a small modern café with a wide variety of different teas, coffees and hot chocolates. Homemade cakes or pies from black forest cake, chocolate cream, marzipan cake or fresh fruit cake. A delicious breakfast buffet is very popular and is available daily from 09:00 to 13:00 which includes fresh bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, salmon and ham, homemade fruit salad and cottage cheese, jams, cereals, cheese and yogurt. Breakfast from €7-9.

Pascha-imbiß III, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 13, +49 5091 2332. Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00, Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 10:30-22:00. There is a choice of different kebab meat that you can have with salad and sauces, or have a curry-wurst and chips which is equally as nice.

Stadt Cafe, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 5, +49 5191 12711. Daily 09:00-18:00. This friendly café can be found in the centre of Soltau. €3-8.

• Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht, Winsener Straße 34d, +49 5191 976313. Open daily from 12:00. The Brauhaus is in the old 7th Armoured Brigade Officers Mess with a warm atmosphere. They serve traditional German food and serve a wonderful brunch on a Sunday. Mains €5-19, Sunday brunch €15.50.
• Campo Grande, Am Alten Stadtgraben 1, +49 5191 939003. Daily 12:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00. This restaurant specialises in South American cuisine where you can find ribs, salads, steaks and some vegetarian options. The Rodizio offers you different types of meat cooked slowly on skewers over a fire, and the meat is cut at your table directly onto your plate. Mains €3-19, Rodizio €19.50.
• Dolce Vita, Burg 1, +49 5191 978278. Daily 11:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00. A lovely Italian restaurant with an outside eating area where you can watch the rest of the world go by in the square of Soltau. Mains €5-18.
• La Mamma, Unter den Linden 15, +49 5191 975570. Daily 11:30-14:30, 17:30-23:00. Italian restaurant serving great food! Mains €5-19.
• Landhaus Eden, An der Bundesstraße 4, +49 5191 602890. Daily 12:00-22:00. This is a typical German restaurant that sells trout as a delicacy that is bred from the pond behind the hotel. You can also try the XXL challenge whereby you have to eat 1000 g of meat as well as chips in an hour and a half, the meat consist of Schnitzel, currywurst and a 30-cm burger. If you manage to eat all of the food in the time given you will get your meal for free. Mains €4-13, XL€10-17, XXL €17-20.
• Im Rehwinkel, Woltem 2, Soltau-Woltem (10 km west, +49 5197 203. Tu-Sa from 17:00, Su from 12:00. Local dishes with moorland sheep (Heidschnucke) and venison. €12.50 for mains.

Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht, Winsener Straße 34d, +49 5191 976313. Open daily from 12:00. The Brauhaus is in the old 7th Armoured Brigade Officers Mess with a warm atmosphere. They serve traditional German food and serve a wonderful brunch on a Sunday. Mains €5-19, Sunday brunch €15.50.

Campo Grande, Am Alten Stadtgraben 1, +49 5191 939003. Daily 12:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00. This restaurant specialises in South American cuisine where you can find ribs, salads, steaks and some vegetarian options. The Rodizio offers you different types of meat cooked slowly on skewers over a fire, and the meat is cut at your table directly onto your plate. Mains €3-19, Rodizio €19.50.

Dolce Vita, Burg 1, +49 5191 978278. Daily 11:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00. A lovely Italian restaurant with an outside eating area where you can watch the rest of the world go by in the square of Soltau. Mains €5-18.

La Mamma, Unter den Linden 15, +49 5191 975570. Daily 11:30-14:30, 17:30-23:00. Italian restaurant serving great food! Mains €5-19.

Landhaus Eden, An der Bundesstraße 4, +49 5191 602890. Daily 12:00-22:00. This is a typical German restaurant that sells trout as a delicacy that is bred from the pond behind the hotel. You can also try the XXL challenge whereby you have to eat 1000 g of meat as well as chips in an hour and a half, the meat consist of Schnitzel, currywurst and a 30-cm burger. If you manage to eat all of the food in the time given you will get your meal for free. Mains €4-13, XL€10-17, XXL €17-20.

Im Rehwinkel, Woltem 2, Soltau-Woltem (10 km west, +49 5197 203. Tu-Sa from 17:00, Su from 12:00. Local dishes with moorland sheep (Heidschnucke) and venison. €12.50 for mains.

• Restaurant Amadeus, Soltauer Hof, Winsener St. 109, +49 5191 9660. Daily 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-22:00. This is a formal restaurant that serves many local dishes and a variety of fish and meat dishes. Mains €10-25.
• Buffalo Steakhouse, Mühlenweg 7, +49 5191 978615. Daily 12:00-23:00. There is an indoor and outdoor area and serves a variety of steaks and other dishes. Mains €3-€28.

Restaurant Amadeus, Soltauer Hof, Winsener St. 109, +49 5191 9660. Daily 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-22:00. This is a formal restaurant that serves many local dishes and a variety of fish and meat dishes. Mains €10-25.

Buffalo Steakhouse, Mühlenweg 7, +49 5191 978615. Daily 12:00-23:00. There is an indoor and outdoor area and serves a variety of steaks and other dishes. Mains €3-€28.

• Arko Café, Marktstraße 8, +49 5191 13771. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. This is a small confectionary shop where you can purchase hot drinks. There is an outside seating area. There is a large selection of sweets and chocolate available for purchase.
• City Café, Marktstraße 17. Su-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 07:00-14:00. This is a modern cafe with different types of coffee, chocolate and tea. They offer cakes and made-to-order rolls. There is an outside seating area. Price varies.

Arko Café, Marktstraße 8, +49 5191 13771. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. This is a small confectionary shop where you can purchase hot drinks. There is an outside seating area. There is a large selection of sweets and chocolate available for purchase.

City Café, Marktstraße 17. Su-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 07:00-14:00. This is a modern cafe with different types of coffee, chocolate and tea. They offer cakes and made-to-order rolls. There is an outside seating area. Price varies.

• Alexanders, Wilhelmstraße 2. A small bistro and bar in the centre of Soltau that stocks a variety drinks.
• Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht, Winsener Straße 34d, +49 5191 976313. There is the chance to see the home-brewed beers being produced in the centre of the room. They serve a number of home brews such as the Malty dark and the hoppy bitterness. The staff are quite happy to show you how the beer is brewed.
• Café Babylon, Lüneburger Straße 39, +49 5191 973737. A small cocktail bar situated on the outskirts of Soltau.
• Calouba, Wilhelmstraße 25, +49 5191 80393. Shisha Happy hour 13:00-15:00, Happy hour 18:00-21:00. This is a fairly small bar with a large selection of drinks available. There is also the opportunity to try shisha (water pipes).
• Bierhaus Milljö, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 1, +49 5191 13449. Su-F from 16:00, Sa from 11:00. A small German bar selling a selection of beer, hot drinks and fruit juices. There is a small area to sit outside.

Alexanders, Wilhelmstraße 2. A small bistro and bar in the centre of Soltau that stocks a variety drinks.

Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht, Winsener Straße 34d, +49 5191 976313. There is the chance to see the home-brewed beers being produced in the centre of the room. They serve a number of home brews such as the Malty dark and the hoppy bitterness. The staff are quite happy to show you how the beer is brewed.

Café Babylon, Lüneburger Straße 39, +49 5191 973737. A small cocktail bar situated on the outskirts of Soltau.

Calouba, Wilhelmstraße 25, +49 5191 80393. Shisha Happy hour 13:00-15:00, Happy hour 18:00-21:00. This is a fairly small bar with a large selection of drinks available. There is also the opportunity to try shisha (water pipes).

Bierhaus Milljö, Georges-Lemoine-Platz 1, +49 5191 13449. Su-F from 16:00, Sa from 11:00. A small German bar selling a selection of beer, hot drinks and fruit juices. There is a small area to sit outside.

• Internet café Webspace, Bahnhofstr. 18, +49 5191 929660.

Internet café Webspace, Bahnhofstr. 18, +49 5191 929660.

• Walsrode is a medium-sized town with a large selection of shops. There are many places to visit within Walsrode and on the outskirts, Serengeti Park is worth a visit it is a good day out for all the family.
• Bad Fallingbostel is a small town with a number of little shops and a large selection of restaurants. There is a large park in the centre of the town where you can relax by the stream running through.
• Verden an der Aller is a large town about 40 minutes away from Soltau. There is a large cathedral in the centre of the town which was built in the Gothic style and is an interesting sight to visit.