Located between the mouth of the Elbe and Hamburg, between Geest and the big city: the District of Stade with its 1266 square kilometres is characterised by contrasts and tides. The photographs by Martin Elsen, currently the best-known aerial photographer in northern Germany, reveal a unique view of this extraordinary region. Numerous “stopovers” bring us, amongst others, to the Alte Land, to Kehdingen as well as the two Hanseatic towns of Buxtehude and Stade. This book serves as an inspiration to explore the north German country, or to discover maritime fairy tales in Lower Saxony. Miriam Fehlbus, long-time editor of a daily newspaper, is our knowledgeable guide on this reading journey.