Just outside the gates of Hamburg, at the edge of the Altes Land, you will find Buxtehude. After a visit to the port town, which was founded almost one thousand years ago and is known for its Gothic-style brick buildings, you will explore the countryside and visit an orchard located on the south side of the Elbe in Europe’s largest continuous fruit-growing region. 

The tour through Buxtehude starts in the historical part of the town. You will walk along the old cobblestone street past the St. Petri church - the town’s landmark -, the old town hall and the many century-old half-timbered houses.

After the walk you will take a closer look at the operations of an orchard: a bus will take you to Jork where Obsthof Lefers is located. You will be served a warm lunch, after which the orchard’s manager will take you on a tour of the premises. He will explain fruit varieties and show you typical activities such as planting, pruning of trees, harvesting and storing of the fruits. You will also learn about how the orchard is promoted through advertising and sales campaigns as well as special offers such as orchard leisure activities, the orchard shop and barn parties.

The day will come to a relaxing close with a cup of coffee and home-made butter cake and apple cake at the orchard.

• See the shuttle bus departure times in the conference brochure and in the conference hotels.