Westerstede

Westerstede (German pronunciation: [vɛstɐˈʃteːdə] ⓘ; Low German: Westerstäe) is the capital of the Ammerland district, in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated approximately 25 km northwest of Oldenburg.

Westerstede
Town
St Peters Church (St Petri Kirche)
St Peters Church (St Petri Kirche)
Flag of Westerstede
Flag
Coat of arms of Westerstede
Coat of arms
Location of Westerstede within Ammerland district
Westerstede is located in Germany
Westerstede
Westerstede
Westerstede is located in Lower Saxony
Westerstede
Westerstede
Coordinates: 53°15′N 7°55′E
CountryGermany
StateLower Saxony
DistrictAmmerland
Subdivisions24 districts
Government
 • Mayor (2019–24) Michael Rösner[1]
Area
 • Total179 km2 (69 sq mi)
Elevation
6 m (20 ft)
Population
 (2021-12-31)[2]
 • Total23,452
 • Density130/km2 (340/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal codes
26655
Dialling codes04488, 04409
Vehicle registrationWST
Websitewww.westerstede.de

It is known for hosting the Rhodo Festival, the biggest exhibition of rhododendrons in Europe. The festival is hosted every four years (next time in 2023).

The villages of Burgforde, Eggeloge, Felde, Fikensolt, Garnholt, Gießelhorst, Halsbek, Halstrup, Hollriede, Hollwege, Hollwegerfeld, Hüllstede, Ihausen, Ihorst, Karlshof, Linswege, Linswegerfeld, Mansie, Lindern, Moorburg, Neuengland, Ocholt, Ocholterfeld, Ollenharde, Petersfeld, Tarbarg, Torsholt, Westerloy, Westerloyerfeld and Westerstederfeld are part of Westerstede.

alt The belltower for Westerstede's St. Peters Church is housed in its own building next to the church.
Belltower for St Peters Church - The belltower for Westerstede's St. Peters Church is housed in its own building next to the church.

The railway station of Westerstede is located in the village of Ocholt, 6 km south of the town. Trains from and to Leer and Oldenburg halt there every hour.

The community (and the whole Ammerland region) is famous for its tree nurseries. They grow rhododendrons that are sold outside Germany as well. The slightly acid peat soil is very suitable for this type of horticulture.

Near Linswege village, 7 km north-east of Westerstede, a Rhododendron Park has been established next to a beautiful wooded area. The park is open to visitors in May and June every year.

Mayor

The current mayor of Westerstede is Michael Rösner (UWG), who has been in office since 2019.[1]

Notable people
Friedrich Tietjen

References
  1. "Verzeichnis der direkt gewählten Bürgermeister/-innen und Landräte/Landrätinnen". Landesamt für Statistik Niedersachsen. April 2021.
  2. "LSN-Online Regionaldatenbank, Tabelle A100001G: Fortschreibung des Bevölkerungsstandes, Stand 31. Dezember 2021" (in German). Landesamt für Statistik Niedersachsen.


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