Norderney was selected in the both the 2020 and 2021 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories.
Wendland.Elbe
Wendland.Elbe: Discover Heritage and Nature’s Harmony
Why visit Wendland.Elbe
Wendland.Elbe offers a rich tapestry of natural and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for those seeking authenticity and tranquility. The region is distinguished by its ecological diversity, from the serene Elbe river meadows to dense mixed forests and heathlands. It’s home to unique Rundling villages, candidates for UNESCO World Heritage status, showcasing exquisite timber-framed architecture. The commitment to ecological farming and a high environmental consciousness enriches the local cuisine and lifestyle. For the active traveller, extensive protected areas like the Elbtalaue Biosphere Reserve and the Elbhöhen-Wendland Nature Park provide a perfect setting for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Culture & Local Life
The local culture of Wendland.Elbe is deeply rooted in its historical and environmental landscape. The area is renowned for its unique Rundling villages, circular settlements with timber-framed houses that speak to a centuries-old architectural tradition. The community’s strong environmental consciousness is reflected in its widespread organic farming practices, influencing both lifestyle and local cuisine. Art and culture thrive here, with numerous festivals and artistic gatherings that draw both locals and visitors. This artistic vibrancy is often centred around environmental themes, intertwining the area’s natural beauty with cultural expression, making Wendland.Elbe a vibrant hub for those interested in sustainable and cultural tourism.
Sustainability
Wendland.Elbe exemplifies sustainability, leveraging its abundance of natural beauty, creative minds, and ecological farming practices. The region is a leader in producing unique, regional products that embody true sustainability, not merely as a marketing tool but as a way of life. This commitment is evident in every product, from locally sourced foods to artisan crafts. The local philosophy focuses on enhancing rather than exploiting nature, ensuring that activities and developments maintain ecological balance. Visitors can experience this sustainable ethos firsthand—whether through farm-to-table dining, participating in conservation efforts, or exploring the biologically diverse landscapes that are conscientiously preserved and celebrated.
Getting there
Reaching Wendland.Elbe is straightforward, with several travel options available. By car, it is well-connected via major motorways from Berlin, Hamburg, and Hannover, offering scenic drives into the region. For those preferring public transport, regular train services run to nearby cities like Lüneburg, from where local buses provide onward connections to Wendland. Additionally, several regional airports such as Hamburg and Hannover are within driving distance, offering rental car services for the final leg of the journey. This mix of accessibility by road, rail, and air makes Wendland.Elbe an easily reachable destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Getting around
Navigating Wendland.Elbe is a pleasant experience, with multiple options tailored to enhance the rural charm. The region is well-suited for cycling, with extensive bike paths weaving through picturesque landscapes. For those who prefer driving, the roads are generally quiet and well-maintained, offering a relaxing way to explore the countryside at your own pace. Public transportation in the form of local buses serves the main towns and villages, facilitating easy access to key attractions. For a more unique experience, hiking and horseback riding offer up-close encounters with the region’s natural beauty, making it easy to immerse yourself in the tranquil environment.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
Wendland.Elbe is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring sprawling landscapes ripe for exploration and outdoor activities. The region houses two major conservation areas: the Niedersächsische Elbtalaue Biosphere Reserve and the Elbhöhen-Wendland Nature Park. These areas offer pristine environments for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding through diverse terrains of marshes, heaths, and forests. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers will find abundant opportunities to spot rare species in their natural habitats. The Elbe River itself invites kayaking and fishing adventures, providing a tranquil setting for water-based activities. Each season brings a new way to engage with the rich biodiversity of this captivating region.
Sustainability
Norderneys is fully aware of its responsibility to sustain nature. The island has its own water-lense and the municipal utilities produce electricity in different, but always sustainable ways (e. b. solar-energy, combined heat and power plants). The house construction is strongly delimitated. Any plans for new buildings are the subject of the municipal council. The waste-management is part of the multiple-medals waste-management of the county Aurich.
Health and Safety
As soon as regulations will ease in Germany, Norderney is open to hosting visitors under strict precautions. The island offers a good medical care system. Not only the healthy North Sea air and the fresh seawater contribute to well-being, but also does Norderney has a modern hospital with diverse specialists, pharmacies and other health care facilities. At present, there are strict rules applied for the containment of the virus. For instance, the general requirement to cover your mouth and nose in public as well as the rule to wear a medical-, or FFP-mask within shops and public transportation. To keep up with the current regulations check online here.
Good Practice Story
Since 1986, the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony’s North Sea coast has been protected as a national park. In order to guarantee comprehensive protection for the preservation of the natural landscape despite the intensive tourist use of the region, the “Lower Saxony Wadden Sea” National Park was divided into a quiet zone, intermediate zone and recreation zone using a zoning concept. The quiet zone has the strictest protective regulations. One can only enter on restricted pathways and all actions are prohibited that damage or destroy nature’s components. Within the intermediate zone, same restrictions apply but visitors are allowed to walk around freely. The smallest zone with only 0.6% area share is the recreation zone. This zone can be used for all activities such as bathing, horse riding, fishing or other sporting activities.
Sustainability Recognitions
Norderney has been awarded with
the Quality Coast Gold Award
Wendland.Elbe achieved Green Destinations Silver Award.
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We are a multicultural, creative and dedicated team working to promote sustainable tourism. Join us in our fight against the climate crisis, single-use plastics and over-tourism!
