Dornum: Synagogue, post mill and water castle

Dornum brings together several clearly distinct historical themes: Jewish life, the history of the post mill and the development of the water castle. Each place represents a different aspect of history: remembrance and exhibition, a regional landmark, and the architectural and decorative history of a castle.

Jewish life and remembrance

Dornum Synagogue is the only surviving synagogue in East Frisia. The building that survives today was built in 1841; since 1992, it has been a memorial site. The synagogue includes a permanent exhibition on Jewish life. The “Dornum Synagogue” association operates the memorial site and is responsible for the exhibitions.

The dates mark different milestones: 1841 refers to the construction of the surviving building, while 1992 marks the beginning of the memorial site. The building’s history and its commemorative role are thus part of a shared history, but remain clearly distinct. Those interested in Jewish life will find a strong thematic focus in Dornum’s synagogue.

Post mill and water castle

Dornum Post Mill is the last post mill in East Frisia and has been a local landmark since 1626. It represents a different historical focus from the synagogue: here, the emphasis is on milling history and a structure that has long been part of the townscape. The term “post mill” also identifies the landmark’s specific type.

Dornum’s Baroque water castle developed from Norderburg, which stood there in the 14th century and was associated with the chieftain Hicko Kankena. In the restored Knights’ Hall, a gallery running around the room defines the space. Figurative and ornamental paintings adorn the ceiling; historic oil paintings on the walls tell the story of the von Closter family and their relatives. The site’s early history and the hall’s decoration offer two different ways to explore the castle: its development from an older fortress and the artistic design of the Knights’ Hall.

Historical sites along a walking tour

The walking tour through the Herrlichkeit Dornum leads to historical sites and stone memorials to Jewish life. It therefore broadens the focus beyond individual buildings to include several places and memorials. By contrast, the synagogue’s memorial site and permanent exhibition take centre stage. The tour complements this perspective by connecting historical sites with stone memorials to Jewish history.

Another perspective in the wider destination of Aurich

In the wider destination of Aurich, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station offers a different thematic focus. It is an extracurricular learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. It also works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of “Fehntjer Tief.” Here, the focus is on landscape and environmental education, while the Dornum sites described above primarily convey remembrance, milling history and the development of the castle.

In spring and summer, students and visitors can experience the plant and bird life in the wet meadows of Fehntjer Tief on bicycle tours or on foot. This activity is limited to the stated seasons. The architectural heritage at the nature conservation station also includes the listed Gulfhaus, a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843. This date refers to the Gulfhaus, whereas 1841 refers to the surviving building of Dornum Synagogue.

Discover more destinations: Dornumergrode, Dornumersiel, Nesse, Neßmersiel, Roggenstede, Middelsbur, Westeraccum, Großheide.

Go to the wider travel overview: Aurich.