The Heidekreis Region

The Heidekreis district, home to around 140,000 residents, is located in Lower Saxony, Germany. It lies almost entirely within the Lüneburger Heide (Heath), from which it takes its name. The district administration is based in Bad Fallingbostel and Soltau. Soltau and Walsrode are the most populous towns in the Heidekreis.

The Heidekreis is conveniently located within the triangle formed by Hamburg, Bremen, and Hanover. All three can be reached in around 60 minutes by car via the A7 and A27 motorways. Regional train services are also available as an alternative.

There is plenty to do in your free time. The beautiful Heidekreis offers something for nature lovers, sport enthusiasts and culture fans alike.

In Soltau, you will find the Heide-Park Resort, one of Germany's largest theme parks, featuring spectacular roller coasters and shows. If you prefer to relax, unwind at the Soltau Therme with its saltwater spa facilities. Even though there are no mountains in this peaceful region, winter sports fans can enjoy year-round skiing at the Snow Dome indoor ski center in Bispingen. For even more adrenaline, visit the nearby Ralf Schumacher Kart & Bowling Center.

The small town of Bispingen, offers additional attractions such as the crazy house, or the Heide-Kastell Iserhatsche, the bird of prey sanctuary and the quad bike track. For a short break combining entertainment, nature and sport, Center Parc Bispinger Heide is the perfect destination.

Bird lovers can spend an unfortettable day at Weltvogelpark Walsrode, one of the world's largest bird parks. If you would like to test your courage and agility, visit the the climbing forest or the football golf course of the Buhl Activity Park in Walsrode. A unique mix of safari adventure and amusement rides awaits you at the Serengeti Park Hodenhagen.

Those interested in history should not miss the German Tank Museum in the small town of Munster.

The local residents, affectionately known as "Heidjer", are open and cheerful people who love their festivals - and you are warmly invited to join in. Highlights include the The Heideblütenfest in Schneverdingen, featuring the traditional Heidekönigin (Heath Queen), when the landscape transforms into a spectacular sea of purple heather blossoms in late summer. The Honey Festival  in Wietzendorf is another popular event celebrating the region's "liquid gold".

You can take part in a wide range of sports through local clubs or by joining a gym. Volunteer organizations such as the fire brigade, the German Red Cross, the Federal Agancy for Technical Relief (THW), and local shooting clubs also welcome new members. 

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the Designer Outlet Center in Soltau, where more than 80 international brands offer discounted products. It is conveniently located directly off the A7 motorway at the Soltau-Ost exit. No need to travel!

The Heidekreis economy is primarily shaped by small and medium-sized enterprises. Tourism is one of the district's key economic sectors, with around nine million day visitors and over two million overnight stays each year.

Among the region's largest employers are Dow Wolff Cellulosics and Wipak at the Walsrode Industrial Park in Bomlitz, Mondelez International and Eckes-Granini in Bad Fallingbostel, as well as Hagebau, Röders Tec and Harry-Brot in Soltau. In the town of Munster, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are also a significant economic factor. 

Agriculture and forestry, which cover approximately 75% of the Heidekreis, continue to play an important role.

Our charming district is named after the heathland that characterizes its landscape. The vegetation is dominated by common heather (calluna vulgaris), which thrives on the region's typically nutrient-poor, acidic soils, often alongside gnarled juniper shrubs.

Each year from late summer to early autumn, visitors from around the world come to witness the breathtaking sight of the blooming heather transforming the vast, open landscape into a purple carpet. North of Soltau lies the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park, which extends far beyond the district's borders.

Perfectly adapted to the sparse soil conditions is the Heidschnucke, a hardy local sheep breed that you may encounter while exploring the heath. 

The rivers Aller, Leine und Böhme offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing or rafting. The heathland around Wilseder Berg is ideal for hiking and cycling tours.