Discover Achim: Half-timbered houses, windmill and the Weser

Architectural history and art in Achim

St. Laurentius Church was first mentioned in a document in 1257 and is the oldest building in the town of Achim. It is located in the Achimer Bauernviertel; the area around the church and the Clüverhaus is known as the “old village.” The Clüverhaus is also in the Bauernviertel and is presented by the town as a sight worth visiting. It is a typical Lower Saxon two-post farmhouse with half-timbered construction, dating from 1824, and now houses a café. Check whether the café is open before visiting.

The church also offers a peaceful counterpoint to exploring the town: it is open every day, on weekdays and weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for quiet prayer, lighting a candle or a moment of reflection. Check the opening hours for possible changes before your visit. Numerous sculptures, monuments and fountains in the town centre also invite you to take an art walk. Those who want to explore the old village on foot can book a guided tour for a date of their choice, taking in a Lower Saxon two-post farmhouse and an old farmstead.

Other details tell the story of Achim’s former crafts: the façade of the Riekes gingerbread factory recalls the town’s former gingerbread-making and cigar-making traditions. A small cigar-maker’s room can be seen in the town hall. The historic Hünenburg ring fort was built in the 11th century and has largely survived to this day.

Windmill, Weser and market

The Achim Windmill is considered a landmark of the town. It is a 29-metre-high, two-storey gallery Dutch windmill with a thatched cap. Tours of the mill have been available since 1969; guided visits are offered on request. Interior visits are also scheduled on designated annual heritage days. The Lower Saxony Mill Route also passes through Achim.

The Weser Cycle Route offers another perspective for cyclists: it runs for around 17 kilometres along the Weser through Achim. Achim-Uesen Marina is also located by the water. It offers leisure boaters six guest berths provided by the boat club; check their availability before travelling.

The Achim weekly market, with a history of more than 100 years, is part of town life. On two days each week, more than 50 stalls along the pedestrian zone sell, among other things, fruit and vegetables, honey, asparagus, meat products, southern European fruit and smoked goods. There are also hot meals, wood-fired baked goods, seasonal products, plants and flowers. If you plan to visit the market, check the current market days in advance.

More experiences in the wider destination of Verden

Those looking beyond Achim to the wider destination of Verden will find its own nature and cultural attractions. In the “Dune Area and Halsetal Valley near Verden-Neumühlen” nature reserve, complex, closely interconnected habitat structures meet on the northern slope of the Verden dunes and in the Halsebach valley. The area is noted for its distinctive character and beauty; designated hiking trails offer an opportunity to explore on foot. Etelsen Castle adds an architectural highlight from the Historicist period: its façade has been preserved in its original state, while its halls, salons and corridors have been restored in the style of the period.

A seasonal crossing of the Weser is another option in the wider destination of Verden: from 15 March to 15 October, pedestrians and cyclists can use the Dörverden weir to cross the river. The crossing involves stairs, and side channels are provided for wheeling bicycles. Check the current conditions before setting out.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your plans

When searching for a holiday apartment in Achim, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: architectural history and art, the market held twice a week, the Weser Cycle Route or the marina each suit different travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Riede, Thedinghausen, Dörverden, Langwedel, Etelsen, Verden, Emtinghausen, Kirchlinteln.

Return to the main travel overview: Verden.