Arche Region
The First Arche Region in Germany
Parallel to the banks of the Elbe, the sparsely populated Amt Neuhaus spans around 50 kilometres in length. In 2011, the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen (GEH – national association for the conservation of historic and endangered domestic animal breeds) recognized Amt Neuhaus as Germany's first arche region. Who still knows the Jezersko-Solčava sheep, the Angeln Saddleback pig or the Poitou donkey? A total of more than 110 livestock breeds are threatened with extinction. In the first arche region in the Elbe river landscape, over 100 ark friends already have around 50 of these old domestic breeds.
© Franziska Kolm
Arche Centre Amt Neuhaus – Information House for Niedersächsische Elbtalaue Biosphere Reserve
A modern exhibition provides descriptive information about the Arche Region with its historic domestic animal breeds and plants, about the wildlife and plants of the Elbe Valley, and its interactions with humans and about the Biosphere Reserve. It provides insights into the special history of Amt Neuhaus, into the development of settlements and landscapes ,and shows the Plattdeutsch (Low German) characteristics of the region. Interactive hands-on exhibits enable an "experience with all the senses" for young and old. Free guided tours of the exhibition are available on a regular basis and for groups upon request. The adjacent park with a picnic area and chicken enclosure encourage you to linger.
© Heiner Müller Elsner
The adventure card
An adventure map shows the way to many businesses that offer information as well as delicious meat, sausage or wool and honey. Here you can download the map as a pdf:
