Middelsbur between terps and waterways

Middelsbur can be understood through its history of terps and dykes, as well as the Pumptief waterway. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1589. This date is an early written reference point; the history of the landscape also points to a settlement pattern that existed before the construction of the dykes. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Middelsbur, these topics can help you match the destination to your interests: local history, water engineering and activities involving several villages offer different points of connection.

Terps and dyke history

Together with the neighbouring terps of Westerbur and Osterbur, Middelsbur formed a typical row of terps on the eastern shore of Dornumer Bay. The height of the terps is evidence that they were built before the dykes. This brings two historical reference points together: Middelsbur's first mention in a document in 1589 and a row of terps whose construction predates the dykes. The first written mention and the age of the terps, as evidenced by their height, therefore describe different periods.

After the storm surge, the sea-dyke line was moved back as far as the Middelsbur terp, where it remained until 1965. In the early 17th century, the land ready for embankment from Dornumergrode to Middelsbur was enclosed by a dyke; the Accumer Ee was protected by a sluice. These details illustrate different aspects of water engineering history: the course of the sea-dyke line after a storm surge, and the embankment of the foreland together with the protection of the Accumer Ee.

Waterway and activities

The Pumptief runs immediately south of the Middelsbur terp. Smaller watercraft can use this waterway to reach the Geest ridge farther south. Three features help situate it in the landscape: the terp, the waterway directly to its south, and the Geest ridge farther south. This offers a different perspective on the landscape from the history of the terps and dykes.

Boßeln, the traditional sport of the East Frisians, and organised cycling tours are mentioned as activities associated with Westerbur, Osterbur and Middelsbur. If you plan to include either option in your trip, check in advance whether any events are currently scheduled. There is no cycle path on Pumpsieler Straße to Middelsbur. If you plan to cycle this stretch, take this information into account when choosing your route and check the latest conditions before setting off.

Cultural and historical context in Dornum

The wider destination of Dornum offers historical points of interest distinct from Middelsbur's features. Dornum Synagogue has been a memorial site since 1992. The “Synagoge Dornum” association operates it and is responsible for the exhibitions. The building still standing today was constructed in 1841; the synagogue is the only one preserved in East Frisia and houses a permanent exhibition on Jewish life. Dornum is also home to the Bockwindmühle, the last post mill in East Frisia and a local landmark since 1626. Dornum's Baroque moated castle developed from the Norderburg of chieftain Hicko Kankena, which stood there in the 14th century. The castle's restored Knights' Hall features a gallery running all the way around it; the ceiling is decorated with figurative and ornamental paintings. Historical oil paintings on the walls tell the story of the von Closter family and their relatives.

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

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Dornum.