Altländer Apfelwochen — Tag des offenen Hofes

Altes Land — Apple Paradise of Northern Germany

The Altes Land stretches over approximately 14,000 hectares between Hamburg, Stade, and Buxtehude along the Elbe River and is Northern Europe's largest contiguous fruit-growing region. Hundreds of thousands of tons of apples, cherries, pears, and plums are grown here annually — processed into table fruit, juice, cider, jam, and many other products. The characteristic landscape with rows of fruit trees, drainage ditches (Gräften), and red-brick farmhouses shapes the region's image.

Apple Weeks in Autumn

The Altländer Apfelwochen extend over several months — from the beginning of the apple harvest in August to its conclusion in October. During this time, numerous events take place: apple markets, farm festivals, tastings, apple queen elections, culinary weeks in the Altes Land restaurants, and special tourist offers. The Open Farm Day forms the media-effective highlight.

Open Farm Day — September 12th and 13th

On the weekend of September 12th and 13th, numerous fruit farms in the Altes Land open their gates to visitors. The farm tours explain the management of the orchards, the cultivation of various apple varieties, the harvest, and the processing. Visitors can pick and buy apples directly from the tree themselves, watch apple juice being pressed or lend a hand, taste apple specialties, and chat with the farmers.

Apple Varieties and Products

Numerous apple varieties are grown in the Altes Land: Elstar, Jonagold, Boskoop, Gala, Braeburn, Cox Orange, Holsteiner Cox, and many others. In addition, there are specialties such as the Altländer Rote, regional apple varieties, and special breeds. Juice, cider, jam, dried fruit, and many other products are made from the apples.

Altländer Farm Architecture

The Altländer fruit farms are not only agricultural businesses but also architectural sights. The characteristic brick buildings with richly decorated gates, the ornate half-timbered facades, and the farm chapels are among the most beautiful rural ensembles in Northern Germany. These buildings can be visited during the Open Farm Day.

Tourist Experience Offers

Beyond apple picking, many farms offer experiential activities: farm cafés with homemade apple cake, carriage rides through the orchards, children's programs, apple tastings with advice, direct sales in farm shops, and opportunities to pick large quantities of apples yourself and take them home.