Easy hikes and walks in Domäne Stolzenau/Leese

The O&K diesel locomotive known as "Frida" is a historical loan at the old train station in Stolzenau, which is maintained by the Steinhuder-Meerbahn-Verein (StMB e.V.). After its restoration and roofing in 2020, it serves together with two freight cars as an exhibit and part of a planned "Info-Point" on local railway history.

The large square at the Stolzenau harbor and jetty is officially called "Löschplatz" (fire site) (presumably because this is where cargo was once unloaded from ships on the Weser and/or transferred to road vehicles). Today, ships still dock here, but the site is currently used primarily for tourism, with cyclists, walkers, and day-trippers. No wonder, given the magnificent view of the Weser and the nearby Weser Bridge (currently, both the old and new bridges can be seen simultaneously). Several benches overlooking the Weser invite you to take a break. Part of the "Löschplatz" is used as an official parking space for RVs. The access to the neighboring campsite also leads through the "Löschplatz." Otherwise, the beautiful, large site is thankfully largely car-free.

Pablo Hirndorf's "Wave" (www.atelier-hirndorf.de) has been a focal point in the heart of Stolzenau since 2023. And not only that: The area surrounding the sculpture and fountain is accessible at all times. Benches invite you to linger and contemplate. The water feature here can be taken literally and touched with your hands. It's not just children who do this. A meeting place for young and old, for locals and guests alike. Tourists have long since discovered it, and not just because of the beautiful photo opportunities. "The perfect wave," so to speak, in the heart of Stolzenau!🍀‼️

Stolzenau makes the wave! Since May 2023, the striking stainless steel sculpture "Wave" (The Wave) with its water feature has stood in Stolzenau's central square, directly opposite the town hall (Weserstr. 2a/corner of Bahnhofstr./Am Markt, 31592 Stolzenau). The 4.13-meter-high sculpture (exactly as high as the standard time clock diagonally opposite) symbolizes two intersecting waves and a water feature. It was inspired by the nearby Weser River and the nearby Uchter Mühlenbach pond. It addresses the importance of water, in every respect, for the community of Stolzenau. It was designed and created by local artist Pablo Hirndorf from Warpe (Nienburg district) in collaboration with Stegmann Metallbau GmbH. It was donated by the Rotary Club of Stolzenau. The local water company also uses it to present its work "All about Water in Stolzenau."

If, like me, you come from a region where there are streams instead of rivers, the sight of a cargo ship in a lock is always something special.🙋

The "Steinhuder Meer Railway" opened in 1898 from Wunstorf to Bad Rehburg, reaching Stolzenau in the same year. In 1899, the railway was extended to Uchte. The railway was operated using meter gauge and partially ran on public roads. From 1921, the railway faced competition from the Stadthagen - Leese-Stolzenau line. As a result, operations on the Rehburg-Stadt - Stolzenau - Uchte section of the line were discontinued in 1935. The small locomotive and carriages displayed at the station are attractive, but merely decorative. It never ran on the railway. More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinhuder_Meer-Bahn

A beautiful eye-catcher in the underpass beneath the main road!😊 Since the passage is closed to vehicles, you are welcome to stop for a moment and admire the works of art in peace.

Delicious ice cream