Altes Land - where the apple trees are in bloom

The name of the region "Altes Land" translates as "Old Earth". It is located along the Elbe River south of Hamburg. Here are the largest fruit plantations in northern Europe. This area is a magnet for tourists, especially in the spring when the gardens bloom. And in the summer there are festivals of strawberries, cherries, apples. You can enjoy these places at any time of the year.

Altes Land is known for its half-timbered houses with white beams, reed roof and original brickwork. Such houses tell stories about the traditions of local farmers. There are many peculiar traditions here.

Before the houses of wealthy owners have long put a chic white gate, which spoke about the viability of the owner of the house.

Altes Land was drained and settled in the 12th century by the Dutch, which is still visible today: Dutch mills, many canals and white wooden bridges across the canals.

Driving through the region, you can buy fresh local fruit at every corner. Along the roads there are cafes that belong to farms, and where they bake and serve delicious cakes and pies with berries and fruits. Local traditional dishes include Altland wedding soup and warm egg beer.

We will start the tour with the town of Buxtehude, which lies on the German “fairytale road”. The fact that this city is associated with fairy tales, say numerous figures of a hare and a hedgehog from the famous fairy tale, the action of which took place here. You will learn many interesting facts about the history of the city, and why dogs bark with their tails in Buxtehud.

Then we will head to the capital of Altes Land - the city of York, visit the old Dutch mill and the "hearty apple yard", walk along the elegant and neat streets of the city.

Then on our way will be the picturesque villages of Mittelkirchen and Steinkirchen with original churches. Each of the villages has its own interesting and rich history.

All the way we will be accompanied by endless apple orchards. One in three apples eaten in Germany grew in this region.

Be sure to eat traditional farm cuisine in one of the colorful restaurants along the way.

We will end our trip to Altes Land with a walking tour of the ancient city of Stade, where you can have a cup of coffee with unusually tasty cakes in one of the cafes of the old city.