Rhododendron route
- 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
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
- suitableDepends 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
- Getting there
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.
ParkingPublic and free parking spaces can be found at many start and destination points along the route.Public transportationYou 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)
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
Download GPX file