Ammerland: Nature, Gardens and Milling History

Tides, fenland landscapes and trails

Apen is home to the only freshwater tidal mudflat in the northwest. It was created in 2005 when a dike was moved inland and serves as a retention area for possible flooding from Aper Tief. In the area designated as a nature reserve, some parts of the terrain are regularly flooded by the ebb and flow of the tides, creating a distinctive flora and fauna.

Guided dike walks in the Aper Tief area explain the origins, purpose and special features of nature conservation and flood protection. Participants choose the distance; depending on the arrangements, the walks are about 3 to 6 kilometres long. A guided tour offers a chance to discover the landscape while learning more about how possible flooding is managed.

For cyclists, the Ammerland Route offers a different scale: it is a 165-kilometre circular route through Ammerland’s parkland and passes through unique fenland landscapes. There are 11 shelters along the route where you can take a break. The guided dike walks of about 3 to 6 kilometres and the 165-kilometre circular route are two distinctly different ways to experience the landscape.

Water and gardens

Zwischenahner Meer invites visitors to sail, surf and swim. Cycling and walking tours along its eleven-kilometre shoreline are also possible. For a view from the water, Weisse Flotte offers round trips of about 70 minutes. Round trips run daily from April to October; you can start and break your journey at any landing stage. Check the timetable before setting off, as operating seasons and times may change.

Park der Gärten offers a different perspective on the designed landscape. It covers 14 hectares and occupies the site of Lower Saxony’s first state garden show, held in 2002. More than 90 distinct areas include themed gardens, plant collections and educational trails, among other features. There are also more than 40 different model gardens. The variety ranges from garden areas and plant collections to educational trails.

Mills, museums and architectural history

The gallery-style Dutch windmill of Hengstforde stands right beside Aper Tief, in the hamlet of Hengstforde. A wooden mill had stood at the site since 1742; it was replaced by a stone building in the late 19th century. The mill can be visited free of charge, and guided tours are available by prior arrangement. If you are planning a guided tour, please register in advance.

In Edewecht, Tollhus up'n Wurnbarg was once a customs station between Ammerland and the Oldenburg Münsterland. The open-air museum displays numerous exhibits on the history of Ammerland agriculture. Visits and guided tours are available year-round by prior arrangement.

The open-air museum in Bad Zwischenahn consists of historic thatched houses that authentically depict life 300 years ago. Guided tours of Ammerländer Bauernhaus are available year-round on request. Bear in mind when planning that these tours must be requested.

In Westerstede, St.-Petri-Kirche is the oldest building and a landmark of the town. Its tower is 48 metres high. Visits are free of charge; check the visiting arrangements before your visit. In Rastede, St.-Ulrichs-Kirche is almost 1,000 years old. Count Huno and Countess Willa founded it in 1059.

Regional food culture also has historical roots: Apen is home to the oldest ham smokehouse in Ammerland. During guided tours of the ham museum, available on request, visitors are shown the rooms and techniques associated with curing, the smokehouse and the tradition. Smoking is not currently taking place.

Discover more destinations: Wiefelstede, Edewecht, Rastede, Apen, Westerstede, Bad Zwischenahn, Wesermarsch, Nienburg

Back to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.