Things To Do
in Soltau
Soltau is a small town in Lower Saxony, northwest of Hanover, and the gateway to the Lüneburg Heath. It blends a historic town center with modern attractions like Heide Park Resort. The surrounding forests, heathland, and gentle countryside make it ideal for cycling, hiking, and relaxed day trips.
With a compact center, friendly locals, and easy access to nature, Soltau is a welcoming base for a laid-back northern Germany mini-break.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local bakery, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Soltau, admiring the historic half-timbered houses and vibrant flower boxes. Visit the St. John's Church, where you can appreciate the stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
For lunch, stop at a traditional German restaurant to savor local specialties like schnitzel and sauerkraut. Post-lunch, explore the Soltau Museum, which showcases the town's rich history and culture through interesting exhibits. Don't miss the chance to wander around the town square, where you can browse local shops and artisanal crafts.
As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a cozy tavern, where you can sample regional wines and hearty dishes. After dinner, take a scenic walk through the illuminated center, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the town at night. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, sharing stories with friendly locals.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for a thrilling day at Heide Park, one of Germany's largest amusement parks. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the first rides, starting with the exhilarating roller coasters. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful park surroundings as you navigate through various attractions.
After a morning of adrenaline-pumping rides, take a break for lunch at one of the park's themed eateries, offering everything from burgers to local German fare. Continue your adventure by trying out the water rides, perfect for cooling off on a sunny day. Don’t forget to capture fun moments with your friends or family at the vibrant photo spots scattered throughout the park.
As the park begins to close, enjoy a final ride before heading to the park's exit. Stop at a souvenir shop to pick up a memento of your thrilling day. For dinner, return to Soltau and indulge in a relaxed meal at a family-friendly restaurant, sharing your favorite moments from the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $25-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $70-150 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (regional) | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Lüneburg Heath and easy access to nature
- Family-friendly attractions like Heide Park
- Compact center that's walkable and easy to navigate
- Good value for money and approachable cuisine
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Smaller urban scene and fewer high-end dining options
- Weather can be changeable in the Heath region
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The check, please.
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
- "Gibt es vegetarische Optionen?" - Are there vegetarian options?
Places to Visit in Soltau
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic timber-framed façades and the picturesque town hall provide classic German townscape shots, especially in morning light.
Open heathland with sweeping horizons, perfect for wide-angle landscape photography and sunrise captures.
A well-known heath summit with panoramic views across the heath; ideal for sunset photography.
Modern spa architecture set against landscaped grounds offering interesting lines and reflections.
Food in Soltau
Soltau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic North German dish of pears, green beans, and smoked bacon, often served with boiled potatoes.
Must-Try!
Lamb or mutton from the Heidschnucken sheep raised on the Lüneburg Heath, typically prepared as a slow-cooked roast or stew.
Kale simmered with a smoked sausage (Pinkel), a winter staple in northern Germany, served with potatoes.
Honey produced by bees foraging on heath blossoms, a sweet local specialty often enjoyed on bread or in tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional Saturday market on the Market Square offering fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and regional specialties.
Pop-up stalls and seasonal vendors around the heath region offering regional snacks, pretzels, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite Guten Tag or Hallo is typical; handshakes are common in formal situations.
Use Sie for strangers and formal settings; switch to du only when invited or among close friends.
Punctuality is valued; arrive on time for appointments and reservations.
Safety
Tipping in Soltau
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants; round up at bars or cafés. For service without a bill, a small tip for friendly service is appreciated.
Cash and cards (debit/credit) are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming heaths; occasional showers. Great for nature walks and early heath photography as plants awaken.
Warm days, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities; expect crowds around Heide Park and heath viewpoints.
Crisp air and vibrant heath colors; ideal for color-rich landscape photography and harvest markets.
Cool to cold with possible snow; festive markets and hearty meals, often quieter in town centers.
Soltau at Night
Hiking in Soltau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Part of a long-distance trail along the Heath with scenic heathland views.
Classic heath viewpoint near the Heath, popular at sunrise and sunset.
Airports
How to reach Soltau by plane.
Approximately 100 km north; broad international and domestic connections; accessible by car or rail via major highways.
About 80-100 km southeast; good for domestic and European flights; rail connections via regional lines and freeway access.
Around 130-150 km west; smaller but well connected for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families visit for Heide Park and outdoor activities; family-friendly facilities are common.
Calmer residential areas with access to nature, wellness facilities, and slower-paced attractions.
Visitors drawn by Heide Park, heath landscapes, and easy day trips to nearby towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at local clubs and informal pitches; matches are a common weekend activity.
Extensive heath and forest routes attract riders of all levels; routes suitable for family cycling.
Riding schools and guided trips through heath landscapes are a common activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Soltau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be prepared vegetarian; look for salads, vegetable plates, potatoes, and grain-based dishes; ask for no meat or dairy where needed.