Nienburg - town in Lower Saxony, Germany, capital of the district of Nienburg

Nienburg is a town of 31,000 inhabitants (2020) in Lower Saxony. Nienburg is a charming town on the scenic river Weser, with some good places to stay and a rich variety of traditional German food.

Understand

Nienburg is a large town lying between Hannover to the south and Bremen to the north in the state of Niedersachsen. It lies alongside the river Weser, an important geographical feature that has influenced its cultural and historical development over the centuries, as it was one of the most important river crossing points between Porta Westfalica and Bremen.

Nienburg, with its numerous shops, both old and new, and its supermarkets, is a popular shopping centre. The town’s image is being shaped by the happy coexistence of old and new. Richness and variety characterise both cultural life and sport. The river and adjoining waters are available for water-sports (in particular rowing) and angling.

Nienburgers enjoy eating well and they like a good strong drink when they play Skat or Doppelkopf (local card games), or get down to a quiet game of skittles, after a hard day's work! Until a few years ago 'Baerentatzen' (bears paws) biscuits were a delicacy in the town. The émigrée family Facompré had brought the secret recipe with them when they came here in 1791 (and this is represented on the towns coat of arms today). Numbered among the favourite dishes here are, Nienburg asparagus with ham from pigs reared in Hoya; green-kale with Braegenwurst (literally 'brain sausage' though the percentage is relatively low), and Sauerkraut with Kasseler (smoked pork). All of these reflect the basic features of prevailing tastes in Lower Saxony.

History

Its name was first being mentioned in 1025 AD as being a part of the Bishopepric of Minden. The meaning of the name Nienburg can be literally translated as 'Neue Burg' or 'New Fortification' which may have been a reference to neighbouring strongholds (for instance Wölpe or Drakenburg). In 1215 Nienburg belonged to the Graf von Hoya and received its town rights in 1225. After the Grafschaft (County or land belonging to a count) was divided in 1345, Minden gained 'Residenz' status until the new line, Graf Otto VIII died without issue and the land passed to the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg who made Nienburg into a Fortification.

In the 30 Years War, Nienburg was taken on a number of occasions. In 1623 the Duke Georg of Calenberg collected troops within the town. In 1625 Nienburg was partially occupied by the forces of Graf von Tilly, one of the Kaiser's most successful and ruthless generals. During one night, a group of the townsfolk sneaked into Tilly's camp and stole a tent and a Flag. This group called itself 'Dat Wählige Rott' and this escapade is a tradition reenacted today as part of the annual shooting competition. In the following years Nienburg suffered under occupation, destruction, takeovers, military occupation and quartering, and finally disease in the form of the Pest. In 1627 Nienburg was taken over once more by troops of the Kaiser. After the Peace of Prague in 1635 which finally brought the civil war aspect of the 30 Years War to an end, Minden was occupied by Swedish troops, and despite the Westphalian Peace treaty its wasn't until 1650 that Minden was able to restore its fortifications.

In 1757, during the Seven Years War, Nienburg was occupied by French troops, until forced out a year later by Herzog Ferdinand. During the Napoleonic Wars, Nienburg was once again taken by the French, becoming an Arrondissement in the 'Department Wesermündung', a part of the French Empire. The occupation continued until Napoleon's bitter retreat from Russia in 1813.

During the industrial revolution in 1847, Nienburg was connected to the Royal Hanover State Railway system, improving communications to the south and north.

Nienburg was brought into line as part of the Third Reich in 1933 after its majority Spcial Democratic Party council was banned by the Nazi Party. On 9 April 1945 British Troops marched into Nienburg, and the town became the base for the British 30th Corps, a three star command that encompassed the state of Hanover as it was known at the time. A large number of refugees came to Nienburg in those early post war months mostly from Silesia, and were housed in camps at Langendamm. The British Army continued to have a presence in Nienburg during the years of the cold war, and the major unit stationed there over more than 40 years was a Divisional Engineer Regiment (21 Engineer Regiment from 1973)up to 1996. The Royal Engineers were awarded the Freedom of Nienburg on 7 June 1980 in recognition of the close ties between the townsfolk and the soldiers and families from this British Regiment.

As part of the area reforms of 1974 Nienburg took on the neighbouring areas of Erichshagen-Wölpe, Holtorf, Langendamm and Schäferhof/Kattriede.

Nienburg whose inhabitants had lived by growing agricultural produce, including chicory as a coffee substitute and by making soap, vinegar, dextrin and mustard, became an industrial town. Its products which included bottles, chemicals, vehicle parts and adhesives, are highly rated and its pearl-catalysts, the remarkable pearls with the hardness and colour of amber enjoy a world-wide reputation, for they are exported to oil refineries all over the world.

Get in

By car

• A7 Take exit 50-Schwarmstedt for B214 toward Nienburg/Celle/Wietze. Turn right onto Schwarmstedter Str./B214 (signs for Nienburg/Schwarmstedt). Turn left onto B215 (signs for Minden/Hannover/Bremen/Diepholz/Stadtmitte). Merge onto B215. Continue onto Nordertorstriftweg/K3. Turn left onto Buermende/K3. Take the 2nd right onto Hannoversche Str. Turn right to stay on Hannoversche Str.

By rail

• Nienburg (Weser) railway station (Bahnhof Nienburg), Bahnhofstr. 11. 2021-05-02

Get around

• Bus There is bus service around the centre of town if you wish. http://vln-nienburg.de/index.php/Aktuell-Presse-_2_2 (dead link: January 2023)
• Train There is a local train station that you can use to get to nearby areas, as well as some of the major cities.
• Walk Everything within the town is reachable via foot.
• Taxi If you are tired of walking there are a number of taxi services for you to use. http://www.stadtbranchenbuch.com/nienburg-weser/T/422.html

See

• Asparagus Museum (Niedersächsisches Spargelmuseum), Leinstraße 48, 31582 Nienburg, 52.6376°, 9.20913°, +49 5021 12461. Tu-Th 10:00-17:00, F 10:00-13:00, Sa 14:00-17:00, Su 14:00-17:00. The museum is housed in an timber framed old smokehouse (Rauchhaus) where the smoke used to escape from the thatched roof. Growing asparagus has been a major part of Nienburg and you can see these customs in the museum. Adults €2.50, children free
• The Fresenhof, Leinstraße 48, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 12461. Tu-Th 10:00-17:00, F 10:00-13:00, Sa 14:00-17:00, Su 14:00-17:00. This stately, two-storey timbered building was once home to medieval knights and was transformed into the Nienburg museum. Adults €2.50, children free
• The Quaet-Faslem-House, Leinstraße 48, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 12461. Tu-Th 10:00-17:00, F 10:00-13:00, Sa 14:00-17:00, Su 14:00-17:00. Bruno Emanuel the minister of architecture at the Royal Court of Hannover built this house in 1821 for his family. It is now part of the Nienburg Museum, it consists of four parts which houses many of the permanent exhibitions. There are a number of special events that take place in the drawing room. Adults €2.50, children free

Do

• Outdoor Swimming pool – Am Dobben, Kleine Riede 43, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 15379. M-F 13:00-19:00, Sa Su 08:00-19:00. A 50-m swimming pool with 8 lanes. A separate non swimmer pool is available as is a 10-m diving board. There are also activities such as a water mushroom, beach volleyball and a number of classes on offer. Adult €2.80, child €1.20
• Walking. There are different routes for you to take if you fancy walking around the area.
• Cycling. This cycle path gives you the opportunity to cycle to Verden and der Aller.

Buy

• Weekly Market, Lange Straße, 31582 Nienberg. W Sa 08:00-13:00. There is a diverse range of products that you can buy such as vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, cheese and flowers. There is also the chance to buy food for immediate consumption, including bratwurst or pea soup.
• Christmas Market, Marktplatz 1, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 917870. Late Nov to 23 Dec. Enjoy the Christmas spirit at the market where you enjoy delicious food, gluhwein and buy hand made crafts from the locals.

Eat

• Mister Q, Lange Straße 12, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 911815. M-Th 09:00-01:00, F Sa 09:00-02:30, Su 09:30-01:00; Happy Hour daily 17:00-19:00 and F-Sa 22:00-01:00. Serves a variety of dishes from European, Tex-Mex or Asian. You can also enjoy a snack or try one of their XXL Burgers in the cosy and relaxing restaurant. For those sun worshippers out there why not enjoy your meal on the summer terrace.
• Potpourri am wall, Nordertorstriftweg 4, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 3307. Mon-Sat 17:30-22:00. The Potpourri is situated in a meadow next to the river Weser. They serve a wide variety of food based on classical and modern dishes using seasonal products. There is an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the last sun of the day with a drink.
• Ratskeller Nienburg, Markplatz 1, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 4688. M-Sa 11:30-14:00, 17:30-22:00; Su 11:30-14:00. Nienburger Ratskeller was built in 1526 and was the hub of the city, many farmers, traders and artisians would meet after work for breakfast. It is set in the cellar with its high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, it serves traditional German food.
• Zum Schwarzen Keiler, Weser Straße 9, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 922872. Tu-Su 18:00 to late. Enjoy a medieval experience in this restaurant where you can enjoy the old fashioned beer and food whilst eating with your hands off the wooden platters. Enjoyable for all ages!

Drink

• Maximilian, Bürgermeister Stahn Wall 15, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 604444. Apr-Sep: M-Sa 09:30, Su 14:00; Oct-Mar: M-Sa 11:00, Su closed. This modern bar is in the heart of Nienburg and offers a variety of cocktails; if you don’t have time to sit and relax with your drink it is also possible to get a take away. If you are feeling hungry there is also a small bistro where you can get a snack.
• Casa Mexicana, Burgmanns hof 15, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 926425. Daily 12:00-14:00, 17:00 till late; Happy hour 21:00-23:00. A Mexican themed bar and restaurant with an outside terrace to enjoy your drink.
• Mister Q, Lange Straße 12, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 911815. M-Th 09:00-01:00, F Sa 09:00-02:30, Su 09:30-01:00; Happy Hour daily 17:00-19:00, F Sa 22:00-01:00. A variety of different drinks sold, why not enjoy them out on the summer terrace.

Sleep

• Hotel Weserschlösschen, Mühlenstraße 20, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 62081. Check-in: 15:00 - 22:00, check-out: 07:00 - 11:00. This hotel is situated on the River Weser in the centre of Nienburg. All the rooms are comfortable with a balcony looking out onto the river. There is the chance to unwind in the sauna or if your feeling active give the bowling alley a go. The hotel offers a restaurant with a river terrace and free parking. €65-89
• {{sleep | name=Hotel Zur Sonne | url=http://www.hotel-zur-sonne-nienburg.de/index_e.html (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Parkstraße 3, 31582 Nienburg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +49 5021 3680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€52-82 | checkin= | checkout= | content=This family run hotel is decorated in the style of a Mediterranean cottage to give it a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is a restaurant on the premises where you can have a meal or you can enjoy a drink in the rustic pub. The personal touch you get from this hotel will make you feel like a member of the family than a guest. }}
• {{sleep | name=Hotel Zum Kanzler | url=http://www.kanzler-nienburg.de/frameset/frameset.htm (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Lange Straße 63, 31582 Nienburg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +49 5021 97920 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€45-90 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel is on the main pedestrian road in Nienburg with all the rooms being individually decorated. }}
• Hotel Dat Wählige Rott, Poststraße 2, 31582 Nienburg, +49 5021 888095. This is a small hotel situated in the centre of the old town in Nienburg. All the rooms are decorated differently and each give off a special atmosphere, some of the rooms even include a water bed or a four poster bed for that special weekend away. After you have finished your sight seeing why not pop into the Irish pub situated on the ground floor of the hotel, where they offer more than 25 different types of whiskey. €36-€52

Go next

• Bremen
• Hamburg
• Hannover
• Verden an der Aller