Dedelstorf: History of the Richthofen Barracks

The former Richthofen Barracks are a tangible point of reference in Dedelstorf’s local history. Their history is explored in an exhibition that brings together historical topics and different insights into the former site.

The History of the Site in Dedelstorf

The Traditions Building at the Dedelstorf site presents highlights from the 60-year history of the former Richthofen Barracks. The exhibition comprises 15 rooms and is looked after by soldiers who were stationed there. Staged office, telephone exchange, and detention-cell scenes are connected to the site’s former military use.

Other exhibits include documents about displaced people from Latvia and Lithuania. Some displaced people received new papers in Dedelstorf. The exhibition therefore brings together staged settings and written records; its topics range from the former military site to the history of displaced people. If you are exploring local history, these different formats offer insight into various aspects of the past.

Schnuckenheide Reserve: Habitats and Rules

The Schnuckenheide Reserve consists mainly of dry, nutrient-poor sandy soils covered with heather. Smaller areas include juniper, birch, dry vegetation, and matgrass. This mosaic of different habitats provides a home for numerous endangered plant and animal species. The heath is also significant for nature and local history: it is a remnant of a form of land use that was once widespread in Lower Saxony.

Visitors to the protected area are asked to stay on the paths and keep dogs on a leash. Check the protected-area rules before your visit. This helps you take the current guidance into account while in this sensitive habitat.

Repke Schnuckenheide: Area and Management

Repke Schnuckenheide is a heathland area of about eight hectares between Repke and Hankensbüttel. Its features include juniper heath and bee stands. For many years, a flock of heath sheep managed the area; it has also been rejuvenated using modern methods. Its management history therefore includes both long-term care by a flock and rejuvenation using modern methods.

Gifhorn as the Wider Travel Destination

The landscape described for the wider travel destination of Gifhorn extends beyond heathland: Gifhorn district also includes forests, moorland, rivers, and lakes. The district is home to the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails lead through heathland, meadows, fields, and forests; the climbs are generally gentle. This information describes the wider travel destination of Gifhorn, not Dedelstorf.

The cycling routes can also be described in specific terms to help visitors get their bearings in Gifhorn district. The network comprises around 700 kilometres of recreational cycle routes, plus a further 550 kilometres of everyday routes, including connecting routes. Around 400 signposted nodes can be combined to create individual cycling routes. The recreational cycle route network is therefore distinct from the additional everyday network, which also includes connecting routes.

The Südheide “Cycling” brochure lists 14 signposted tours; GPX tracks and further information can be downloaded using a QR code. Brochures and route data may be updated, and route conditions can change. So check the latest information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Lingwedel, Sassenburg, Müden, Emmen, Rühen, Tiddische, Räderloh, Groß Oesingen.

View the wider travel overview: Gifhorn.