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Rhododendron route

46.65 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: easy
Condition: very easy
Great panorama
Bicycle Ride
CC-BY-SA | Achim Meurer, Foto AchimMeurer.com
CC-BY-SA | Ammerland Touristik, Ostfriesland Tourismus
CC-BY-SA | Ammerland Touristik, Ostfriesland Tourismus
  • 2:50 h
  • 46.65 km
  • 28 m
  • 28 m
  • 4 m
  • 15 m
  • 11 m
  • Start: Bad Zwischenahn, Wiefelstede, Westerstede
  • Destination: Westerstede, Bad Zwischenahn, Wiefelstede
During the rhododendron flowering period (late April to early June), there is no way around this cycling route. This circular route connects the three most beautiful rhododendron parks in Germany. The largest rhododendron park of the Hobbie family (70 hectares) is located in the village of Linswege, a district of the county town Westerstede. With a total area of 70 hectares, it is not only Germany's largest rhododendron park but is also rightly considered by experts as one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. Also worth seeing are the rhododendron park of the Bruns nursery in Gristede and the Park der Gärten in Bad Zwischenahn. The route is signposted in both directions. Entry is possible anywhere.

Ammerland is the center of rhododendron cultivation in Germany. Nowhere else can this quantity and variety be found. During the flowering period from late April to early June, the evergreen plants create white, pink, or red speckles in the unique park landscape. The Rhododendron route connects the three large rhododendron parks in Ammerland and offers many colorful views of countless rhododendrons that can be discovered in private gardens on both sides along the 47-kilometer route. 

Highlights ALONG THE ROUTE 

  • Rhodopark Hobbie (Linswege/Westerstede), total area 70 hectares, Germany's largest rhododendron park, over 250 wild rhododendron species and several thousand varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas in all colors, shapes, and variations.  
  • Bruns nursery (Wiefelstede), over 1000 different rhododendron varieties and outdoor azaleas form the core of the collection. 
  • Park der Gärten (Bad Zwischenahn), a unique park nationwide as Germany's largest model garden facility and, in a way, the showcase of Ammerland's nursery industry, 43 model gardens for your own garden design, over 2000 rhododendron varieties and species.  
  • Landscape window Rhododendron (Gießelhorster Kirchweg/Westerstede), consisting of five towers with unique mirror constructions, offering a fascinating view of the surrounding rhododendrons.

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The entire Rhododendron route is marked with a pink rhododendron blossom symbol. It is signposted in both directions, allowing it to be ridden in either direction and combined with other routes. Additionally, intermediate signposts of the cycling system indicate the direction along the way. You can find the exact route guidance from the GPX track or conveniently navigate using the app "Grenzenlos aktiv".

Equipment

No special equipment is required. For safety, a repair and puncture kit can be carried.

Directions & Parking facilities

A28 / A29 / A31

Your journey by car takes you along the A1 and A29 motorways to Oldenburg and from Oldenburg further along the A28 towards Emden/Leer to Westerstede or your desired destination in Ammerland.

Public and free parking spaces can be found at many start and destination points along the route.

You can conveniently arrive by train at the following stations in Ammerland and the region.

Stations: Leer, Augustfehn, Westerstede-Ocholt, Bad Zwischenahn, Oldenburg, Rastede

The other towns and districts can be easily reached by bus.

License (master data)

License: Attribution, ShareAlike

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

You should allow more time for this route and, for example, take a short detour to the "Park der Gärten". In addition to the numerous rhododendrons, over 90 themed gardens and plant collections offer a fascinating insight into Ammerland gardening art here. For visits to the three rhododendron parks, several hours should be planned.

Safety guidelines

The Rhododendron route can be completed without any dangers. Flat landscapes and well-developed cycling paths enable a trouble-free ride.

Map

The overview map and the cycling map set with all 15 themed routes can be ordered here for a price of 7.90 € plus postage. The individual maps have a scale of 1 : 30,000.    

Nearby

Contact

Rhododendron route
Westerstede
Travel by carTravel by public transport