Under the protection of tall pines, more than 1,000 rhododendrons and open-air azaleas in all species and varieties can be found in the Rhododendron Park in Gristede. Garden lovers will find magnificent flowers, lush growth and, with some varieties, wonderful scent experiences.

From day one, the 25 ha park was open to the public and quickly became an attraction of the Ammerland and a pilgrimage destination for rhododendron lovers from all over the world. The main flowering period is from the end of April to the beginning of June. The Gristeder Rhododendron Park is always worth a visit due to its interesting and varied design, complemented by its many botanical rarities and specimen plants.

Erich and Wilhelm Bruns systematically laid out their collection in the 1950s in order to better study the characteristics, preferences and requirements of the individual varieties and to develop the Gristeder Neuheiten® from them. To this day, new varieties are christened by many prominent personalities. Since 1985, the Federal President and their partners have traditionally christened a new rhododendron variety with their name. You will find all our new varieties in the Gristeder Rhododendron Park.

The central axis of the newly created park section leads to the park pavilion, which was completed in spring 2009. A successful architectural creation in glass, it’s used for events such as symposia and conferences.

In the building’s gallery, regional artists present their work on a variety of themes and concepts. The regularly changing exhibitions are always introduced by an opening ceremony and make a great change for all those residents and guests interested in art.

The local history museum’s garden is gradually developing into an open-air museum. Here, the permanent exhibition on trade and skilled crafts, including state-of-the-art technology from the 1920s and 1930s, is continually being added to.

So far, a shoemaker’s workshop, a barber’s shop, a wheelwright’s shop, an old blacksmith’s shop and a colonial goods shop can already be visited.

Soon the exhibition will be completed by a baker’s, agricultural tools and local handicrafts.

With a water surface area of 167 m², an average water temperature of a pleasant 24 °C and a water depth of 0.9 to 1.5 m, there’s nothing to stand in the way of having a great time in the water.

A kiosk with a spacious sitting area invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee with a piece of cake, or an ice cream. From here, you can easily keep an eye on the swimming pool and watch your kids play around. A sunbathing and play area of almost 1500 m² is available for sun-lovers. In addition to a barbecue area, covered terrace, party benches and tables and a table tennis table for our older guests, a baby paddling pool and a sandbox with slide tower are available for our younger guests.

Tourist camping
For tourist campers, camps 1 to 7 are available in the holiday park. The sites are all illuminated and have water, electricity and service water connections. A fixed, paved access road makes arriving and departing easy. Modern convenience blocks are available in sufficient numbers. There are half-shade sites and sites with views of the lake, the playground, the sunbathing area or are close to the convenience blocks. Here there’s something for everyone.

Conveniences
The convenience blocks for Camp 1 to 3, which went into service in 2016, are located in the modern building in Camp 1. Between the terrace of Camp 5 and 6 there is another convenience block, which is optimally integrated into the landscape. In spring 2010, 12 new showers, a barrier-free bathroom, a baby bath and a utility room were also made available here. Furthermore, our year-round convenience block, newly completed in 2007, is available to you at the information desk with all the comforts you need.

Permanent camping
The holiday park’s permanent campsites are highly sought after because of the comfort of the entire complex and the divine natural swimming lake. Secure your second home in Wiefelstede now!

The climbing forest in Conneforde is located opposite the Amber Lake Holiday Park. Eight different climbing courses, heights of up to 13 metres, more than 60 climbing features, a unique lake crossing at a height of around 10 metres, suspension bridges and a seven-metre high base jump from the tree tops provide for just the right kick. The “Monkey Tree” is another attraction, where a direct ascent up the tree to an airy 15 metres in height is possible. Hooked into a self-locking abseiling device, you can climb to any height you like and then simply let yourself fall. An absolute highlight for adventurers big and small. The climbing forest is thus guaranteed to have something for everyone. But also those who prefer to stay safely on the ground can enjoy various drinks and snacks at the local kiosk and watch the others doing their tightrope walks.

After the initial training course, which every visitor has to complete, you can tackle the climbing courses on your own with your own safety equipment. You’re then able to choose between eight different climbing courses with various levels of difficulty. From the easier “green course” with an ascent of a tree trunk and a suspension bridge to the “black course” with nightmare bridge, Tarzan jump and the almost free-fall from the “base jump”, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The little ones aren’t left out either: the “light blue course” is designed for children from six years of age.

​In short, the climbing forest in Conneforde offers guaranteed climbing fun for everyone. Whether young or old, experienced or inexperienced. Important tip: the climbing forest must be climbed by children six years and over in the accompaniment of an adult. Wear sporty, robust clothing and closed, sturdy shoes.