Mechtersen

In 1158, a dispute arose in Mechtersen. It concerned the “Decima”, a kind of tithe. Bishop Hermann of Verden settled the matter. Two-thirds went to the canons of Bardowick. One-third went to the provost. Mechtersen’s history is deeply intertwined with Bardowick. In 1300, Johann and Lambert of Mechtersen bequeathed their estates to the Bardowick monastery. The von Meding family, along with the monastery, held significant power as landlords in Mechtersen until 1844. Mechtersen’s story is not just one of lords and churches. Napoleon’s troops once disrupted a crucial road connecting Mechtersen and Vögelsen. After complaints labeled them “troublemakers”, the road was finally repaired. But not by the villagers. It was repaired at the state’s expense. Mechtersen sits at the edge of the Lüneburg Heath, a place where marsh meets geest. This unique location is reflected in its field names, like “Auf dem Meere” (On the Sea) and “Heidkamp” (Heath field). Mechtersen also had its own school. It operated independently until 1971, first mentioned in 1780 with teacher Frantz Martin Röder. Today, the village offers a kindergarten. Older students attend primary school in Vögelsen and secondary schools in Bardowick or Lüneburg. Mechtersen may be small, with around 700 residents, but it has a vibrant community. The village has a rich equestrian tradition. The Reit- und Fahrverein Vögelsen-Mechtersen hosts regular tournaments on their riding grounds. There’s even a local riding school. The TSV Mechtersen/Vögelsen keeps the football field active. They also offer gymnastics, volleyball, and table tennis. Although the Schützenverein Mechtersen-Vögelsen no longer holds its large annual festival, its legacy remains a part of Mechtersen’s identity. The village continues to celebrate traditions like the Easter bonfire and the unique Pfingstbaum planting, a custom carried out by the local youth.