Walsrode (; ) is a town in the district of Heidekreis, in Lower Saxony, Germany. The former municipality Bomlitz was merged into Walsrode in January 2020. History Middle Ages 986 Foundation of Walsrode Abbey by Count Walo. The first recorded mention of the town is dated May 7, 986. 1383 The dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg grant Walsrode a town charter. 1479 First recorded instance of Walsrode's coat of arms. At the end of the 15th century the sculptor Hans Brüggemann, creator of the renowned Bordesholm Altar of Schleswig Cathedral, is born in the town. Early modern times 1626 Extensive destruction in the town by the troops of Count Tilly during the Thirty Years' War. 1757 The town is totally destroyed by a catastrophic fire. 1811 During the Napoleonic era, Walsrode becomes a border town between France and the Kingdom of Westphalia. 1814 Walsrode is incorporated in the Kingdom of Hanover. 1866 Annexation of Walsrode by Prussia. 1890 Railroad first extends to Walsrode. 20th century 1957 The German border patrol agency (Bundesgrenzschutz) establishes a training school in the town. 1984 The state legislature of Lower Saxony allows the town to incorporate as an "independent community". Places of interest Walsrode Abbey Rischmannshof Heath Museum Weltvogelpark Walsrode Twin towns – sister cities Walsrode is twinned with: Blainville-sur-Orne, France Gernrode (Quedlinburg), Germany Hibbing, United States Kępice, Poland Kovel, Ukraine Zaltbommel, Netherlands Notable people Hans Brüggemann (c. 1480–1521), artist Louis Harms (1808–1865), lutheran pastor Hermine Overbeck-Rohte (1869–1938), landscape painter Maren Kroymann (born 1949), actress and singer Gaby Papenburg (born 1960), sports journalist Frank Glorius (born 1972), chemist Onur Ayık (born 1990), footballer See also Metropolitan region Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg References External links Towns in Lower Saxony Heidmark