Achim looks back on an urban history that stretches back to the time of Charlemagne. And the discovery of the Venus von Bierden, a design, several centimetres in size, engraved on sandstone, shows that hunter-gatherers were already living in the area around Achim in the Mesolithic or upper Paleolithic eras. Today, the townscape is chiefly characterised by the 17 kilometre-long bank of the Weser. A well developed walking and cycle network, along with the pleasure boats navigating the Weser, provide you with the opportunity to get to know Achim and its surroundings during your city trip.
The Badener Berge (Badener Hills) are found in Baden, the biggest district in Achim. Not only does one of northern Germany's last high ridges, with woods and moorlands, await you here on your travels, but also the meeting point of the Weser with the Alte Aller and the Schleusen Canal. The terraced slope of the Weser grants you a tremendous view, reaching to Verden Cathedral in the south east.
The Landkirche St. Laurentius was first mentioned in 1257. During your mini-break, visit this church, once built in Roman style, and dedicated to Saint Laurentius of Rome. Sections of the original brickwork have survived, in spite of reconstruction and extension works. The Clüverhaus is testimony to a time when 14 large farmsteads made up the oldest part of Achim. Along with two neighbouring farmyards and a church, this restored two-columned, timberframe farmhouse, built in 1824, makes up the Old Village of Achim.
The gravestones are weather-beaten, their inscriptions barely legible. Tall trees cast shadows. The Jüdische Friedhof (Jewish Graveyard) is a protected cultural monument and houses the gravestones of Jewish citizens of Achim and the surrounding area who died between 1867 and 1935 and were interred here. Your city trip to Achim leads you on to the Bibliotheksplatz. Since 1997, 24 bells ring here several times each day. This Glockenspiel is not only one of the biggest in northern Germany, the perforated roof also symbolises a tree's leaf pattern, standing for shade and protection.
A short trip to Achim carries you off to the world of windmills. The Achimer Windmühle (Achim Windmill) was originally constructed as a post mill, but was replaced in 1761 by the Dutch windmill still standing today. Its eleven metre-long sails and thatched roof reach into the Achim sky and do a wonderful job as a landmark for the town. The windmill is part of the Niedersächsische Mühlenstraße (Lower Saxon Mill Road) and can be visited as part of a guided tour.
