Soltau is a small town in the Lüneburg Heath whose travel case rests mostly on one big thing: Heide Park. If roller coasters, family rides, and a full theme-park day are your idea of a good detour, Soltau is one of the strongest stops between Hamburg and Hanover.
The town itself is modest, with a tidy centre, a toy museum, a brine spa, and easy access to heathland cycling and walking routes. It does not have the old-city pull of Lüneburg or the open-heath setting of Schneverdingen, so be honest about why you are coming.
For families, Soltau can easily justify a day. For travellers without interest in amusement parks, it is more of a practical base than a destination.