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Well-kept half-timbered houses, water, dikes, winding streets and fruit trees as far as the eye can see: This is the home of the largest fruit growing region of northern Europe.

The orchards in the Niederelbe have over 600 year’s tradition. Settlers put channels („punters“) they built levees, established settlements, and thus created the still typical landscape.

The proximity to Hamburg left the Altländer to discover and develop fruit growing as a rewarding industry centuries ago. Even today it dominates the picture. In addition to old half-timbered houses are modern orchards, warehouses and sorting stations. Tradition has always been written in capital letters here. Folk groups and folklore evenings are simple proof of the pride in the region.

This is also provided gladly to guests who are always warmly welcomed. While walking on the dikes or cycling by the plantations one can very well relax in these healthy surroundings and spend some vacation time.

Luftaufnahme Altes Land mit Elbe und Elbe-Obst Plantagen

Locational Advantages

Due to the tempering influence of the North Sea the fruit ripens in the maritime climate and lets the apples and pears mainly have a balanced sugar / acid ratio, a superior deck color expression and a thin skin.

The sugar / acid ratio is an important parameter for the flavor development of a fruit. The important reason for the well-known excellent taste of this fruit is the predominant balance you will find in the lower Elbe region between acid and sugar.

The normally occurring colder nights in the growing area just before harvest bring forth the superior deck color expression of the fruit. On the contrary warmer growth periods after the blossoming are responsible of the development of optimal fruit sizes.

The thin skin with little excretion of wax on the skin arises because the fruit growing in the ideal climate for pome fruit room does not have to build up protection against evaporation.

Region

On the fertile soil in the glacial valley of the Elbe River for over 600 years pit fruits, stone fruits and soft fruits are grown, whereas the apple is the main product.

The fruit-growing region „Altes Land“ has spread west of Hamburg along the left side of the Elbe river valley. The estuary of the river Elbe which reaches far into the North Sea provides a maritime climatic chamber.

Marsch and Geest

On the nearly 10,500 acres of fruit growing areas in the lower Elbe growing region two very suitable soils are predominant. On the one hand, the alluvial land called marsh. It is located in the glacial valley of the Elbe River and is located at about two meters above and up to a meter below sea level. On the other hand, the loamy sand that is calledheathland. It is located at about 30 meters above sea level.