Experience Nature, Windmills and Culture in Aurich
Accommodation in Aurich
If you are looking for a hotel in Aurich, you can plan your stay around a range of themes: environmental education and landscapes at the Fehntjer Tief, windmills and church architecture, or excursions in the wider region. Before you start looking, you can decide whether to focus on nature experiences, cultural history, or activities on the water and by bike.
Nature and environmental education at the Fehntjer Tief
The Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station is an extracurricular learning center for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. It is committed to preserving the natural and cultural landscape of the “Fehntjer Tief.” In spring and summer, students and visitors can experience the plant and bird life in the wet meadows on foot or by bicycle. The season is therefore part of planning your trip: if you want to experience the plant and bird life described here, plan your visit for spring or summer.
The station grounds include the listed Gulfhaus, a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843. A visit thus brings together two distinct themes: the landscape and its nature on the one hand, and regional architecture on the other. The Fehntjer Tief is also a destination in its own right for anyone interested in preserving natural and cultural landscapes.
Windmills and architectural history in Aurich
The Stiftsmühle Windmill Museum illustrates the development and significance of the windmill tradition rooted in East Frisia across five floors. Aurich’s Stiftsmühle is Germany’s tallest historic windmill open to visitors. Together, these two aspects of windmills offer an introduction both to the history of the windmill tradition and to a remarkable structure.
Another architectural highlight is the Aurich Reformed Church. It is the only Neoclassical central-plan building in the Weser-Ems region and was designed as a round building with a dome supported by eight Corinthian columns. The church, organ and 1859 rectory form an ensemble of considerable cultural and historical significance. Since its restoration from 2001 to 2003, the church and organ have largely retained their original condition. Windmill heritage and Neoclassical architecture are thus distinct themes for visitors interested in culture.
Leisure by the water and tours
The leisure and recreation area at Tannenhausen bathing lake includes a wakeboarding facility and an aquapark. There is also a pedal boat and SUP rental service. Each activity offers a different way to enjoy the water: wakeboarding, the aquapark, pedal boating and SUP.
The Aurich “Northern Route” circular tour combines nature and high-tech experiences and passes megalithic tombs in Tannenhausen that are about 5,000 years old. Aurich harbor is a recommended starting point; there is parking and food available, as well as bicycle rental if needed. The MS Stadt Aurich also offers two excursion cruises from the harbor. If you plan to take a cruise, check the current timetable in advance, as departure times may change.
Regional destinations and cycling routes
Beyond Aurich, the wider region offers a range of day-trip options. Route 900 runs through SĂĽdbrookmerland, is about 35 kilometers long and passes seven museums and exhibitions. It offers insights into the history of SĂĽdbrookmerland, including its moor settlement, village history and milling trade. The route combines a bike ride with several cultural stops.
The “Rad up Pad” Frisia Route follows the signposted cycling network throughout and is marked with its own symbol. It passes castles, manor houses, churches and windmills through Geest, marsh and moorland landscapes, along the coast and by the water. Another regional option is Lütetsburg Palace Park: this 30-hectare private English landscape garden features avenues and winding paths where visitors can discover rhododendrons and azaleas and explore historic elements from the garden’s origins.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Berumbur, Marienhafe, Wiesmoor, Wirdum, Hagermarsch, Dornum, Südbrookmerland, Krummhörn, Norden, Hinte, Rechtsupweg, Leezdorf, Großheide, Hage, Ihlow, Aurich, Großefehn, Upgant-Schott, Lütetsburg, Wrisse, Osteel, Halbemond, Tannenhausen.
Go to the overview of destinations: Lower Saxony.
