Zernien: Heights Trail, Forest Pool and Half-Timbered Churches

Zernien lies on the ridge of the Upper Drawehn. There are several themes to choose from for a stay: hiking on Hoher Mechtin, the forest pool, half-timbered churches and golf. If you are looking for hotels in Zernien, this guide can help you choose how to explore the town based on the purpose and interests of your trip. The following sections introduce specific features and historical distinctions.

Hiking on the ridge

The Drawehn Heights Trail crosses Hoher Mechtin, which, at 142 metres, is the highest elevation in the Wendland. From the signposted hiking car park in Spranz, the Drawehn Heights Trail, part of the Wendland Circuit, leads directly to the observation tower on Hoher Mechtin along a 2.0-kilometre route. The tower can only be reached on foot. When planning your hike, keep the distance and elevation separate: 2.0 kilometres is the distance from the car park to the observation tower, while 142 metres is the elevation of Hoher Mechtin.

The forest pool in Zernien

On the outskirts of Zernien, the forest pool is located on the Drawehn Heights Trail. The pool is heated and has five swimming lanes, each 25 metres long. There is a water slide in the adjoining non-swimmer area, as well as a parent-and-child area with a baby paddling pool and playground. Operating details are seasonal and may change; check the current seasonal opening times before visiting.

Half-timbered churches and building history

The half-timbered church in Riebrau was built between 1759 and 1763. It is made of oak from Göhrde; the west tower is integrated into the building to about half its depth. Inside, a rounded vaulted wooden ceiling is supported by six columns. The church was renovated inside and out from 2000 to 2001 and has since largely regained its original appearance. The construction period, materials, tower and ceiling offer different perspectives on the same building: you can distinguish its origins from the later preservation work.

The church in Gülden, also in the municipality of Zernien, tells the story of a new building following structural damage. After the building had become so dilapidated that entering it was considered life-threatening, P. Georg Leopold Küchenthal arranged for a new church to be built; it was consecrated on 7 January 1787. Riebrau and Gülden thus represent different milestones in the municipality’s church history: the construction years 1759 to 1763 on the one hand, and the consecration of the new building in 1787 on the other.

Golf Club at Göhrde

The Golf Club at Göhrde has had an 18-hole course since 2000. Tee times have been mandatory at the club since 2020. The size of the course and the booking procedure are two separate planning considerations: the first describes the extent of the facility, while the second concerns how tee times are organised. Check the current booking procedure before your trip. If golf is the focus of your stay, this will help you distinguish the course description from the necessary scheduling. The club also describes habitats, rare butterflies, red deer that come and go, and squirrels on the grounds.

Discover more destinations: Gartow, Prezelle, Bergen (Dumme), Dannenberg, Leisten, Jameln, Trebel, Bredenbock

For the overview of the wider region: Lüchow-Dannenberg.