Augustfehn: Local History, Industrial Heritage and Paddling

In Augustfehn, local history, industrial heritage and activities on the water come together. Notable buildings include the Friedenskirche on the Augustfehn Canal, the ironworks tower and the boiler house on the ironworks site. There is also a self-guided local history experience, a guided tour for groups on request, and opportunities for paddling. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Church and Local History

The Friedenskirche was consecrated in November 1957 and built directly beside the Augustfehn Canal. Its bell tower stands separately and is 20 metres high. Three new bronze bells were installed in the church in 2017. The building brings together its location by the canal, the tower’s distinctive form and two specific dates: the consecration and the later installation of the bells. For those interested in architecture, the free-standing tower is a defining feature of the church.

A self-guided experience explores Augustfehn’s local history. It includes historical information boards, QR codes, downloadable texts and audio contributions. You can explore the stops on foot or by bicycle. The different media offer several ways to engage with the historical themes, so you can discover the town’s history independently. This sets the experience apart from the guided tour on offer, which has an approximate duration.

The “A Journey Through Time in Augustfehn” guided tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is available on request. It can be taken on foot or by bicycle; a bus transfer to the steelworks may also be possible. If you prefer a guided tour, you can plan it as an activity with a defined duration. By contrast, the self-guided experience focuses on the stops and the information media provided.

Industrial Heritage and Historic Buildings

The Augustfehn ironworks tower and the boiler house on the ironworks site are listed historic buildings. The Augustfehn ironworks is privately owned and is used for a variety of dining and cultural activities. If you are interested in a particular dining or cultural option, it is best to enquire about what is currently available.

The narrow-gauge railway is also part of Augustfehn’s industrial history. It was used by the steelworks to transport raw materials and finished products to Augustfehn railway station. It therefore represents the historic transport link between the works and the station. A monument in Augustfehn commemorates the town’s namesake, Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August of Oldenburg (1783–1853). The Alte Staaßenbrücke is the only surviving bascule bridge in the municipality of Apen. It offers a different point of interest from the buildings and transport history associated with the steelworks.

Paddling and Nature by the Water

The canoe trip from Augustfehn to Barßel is tide-dependent, 9 kilometres long and starts at the Paddel-und-Pedal station on the Augustfehn Canal. Take the tides into account when planning, and check the right time before setting off. Both the distance and the tide-dependent timing are important when considering the trip.

The Aper Tief offers another way to experience nature: paddle upstream from Augustfehn and you will reach a freshwater mudflat area with rare flora and fauna. The canoe trip to Barßel focuses on the route and the tides, while the Aper Tief is notable for its distinctive mudflat landscape. This makes it easy to distinguish the paddling options by their respective highlights.

You can choose from several options when planning your stay: exploring independently on foot or by bicycle, a guided tour on request lasting about 2.5 hours, or a 9-kilometre tide-dependent canoe trip. These specific conditions can help you decide what to focus on during your stay, without combining the options into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Godensholt

Return to the main travel overview: Apen.