The Alte Land - beyond comparison!
Leaving the big city hustle and bustle behind and arriving in the Alte Land. Not far from Hamburg divided only by the wide flowing river Elbe is a quiet oasis located. The pleasant climate surprises because the rough North Sea is nearby. Germany's largest interconnected fruit growing area could come about surrounded by meadows and countless river arms.
10 million fruit trees turn the countryside in spring into a sea of blossoms, surrounded by a pink-white shimmer. In this warm summer sun cherries, apples, pears and plums pears can ripen.
The apple, known and appreciated for centuries, is the centre of the action. It takes the largest harvest part and is so important for the Altländer that they seleceted the apple as their homeland's emblem.
The Dutch known for their dike building came into the Alte Land in the 12th century. With the help of their knowledge one could finally drain the swamps and create fertile land.. Windmills, little bridges and the characteristic building style of long-drawn row-villages still tell the history of the Dutch forebears today. The picture depicts the old Lühe-ferry, which lays know as museum's boat in the little port of Steinkirchen.
The Hogendiek-bridge over the Lühe near Steinkirchen has been built in old-Dutch style for pedestrians in 1975 - since then a landmark of the Alte Land.
The Altlaender fruit-farmers exhibition stands are very tempting. Here you can always buy fresh fruit directly from the producer.