Rethem is the starting point of this remarkable cycle ride. Rethem was granted market and brewery rights early on, which allowed the town to brew its own beer. The keg used to brew beer back in bygone days can still be seen in Londypark today.
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The new Burghof Rethem was built on top of the foundation walls of the old castle in Londypark. Alongside the old brewery keg, you will also find Northern Germany's oldest post mill here (1593) and can explore a sculpture park containing the works of sculptor Norbert Thoss.
Passing through Kirchwahlingen with its 1000-year-old fortified church Zum Heiligen Kreuz, the Aller cycle path then takes you on to Ahlden. Plan to spend a while here exploring Ahlden’s half-timbered houses and its castle on a historical tour of the village.
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The dramatic life story and love affair of the Princess of Ahlden made Schloss Ahlden famous. Formerly a four-wing fortification, the castle served as a district court until 1971. Today it is home to an auction house for fine art.
In the neighbouring village of Hodenhagen, the Serengeti Park offers visitors the chance to go on a jungle safari. Covering some 200 hectares, the animal park is divided into four exciting themed worlds. Shortly before you get to Schwarmstedt, you will cycle through the village of Bothmer, home to Bothmer mill (1822) and an old school museum.
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The school museum, the Alte Dorfschule Bothmer is an attraction for the whole family, offering both parents and children the chance to experience lessons ‘just like in Imperial times’.
Leaving Bothmer behind, the Aller Cycle Path continues on to Schwarmstedt, home to Harry's klingendes Museum – a museum that takes you on a musical journey back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. The surrounding countryside provides a spacious home to heron colonies and white storks, while North Germany’s one and only bison herd can be found in Essel.