Ostersander – Weene Church, Krumme Tief and hedgerows

Ostersander can be understood through its long-standing connection with Weene: along Schirumer Straße, the two have grown together over the past few decades to form almost one continuous settlement. Historically, Weene was the location of the church serving Ostersander and the surrounding villages. Weene Church lies directly beside the Krumme Tief. The local history, waterway and hedgerows therefore offer various starting points for planning your trip.

Weene Church: Construction and consecration

The first stone church in Weene is currently thought to have been built in the second half of the 13th century. Another important date is 1499: that year, an abbot and a monk from Ihlow Monastery consecrated Weene Church. It was built using stones salvaged from the demolished monastery at Ihlow. These are distinct aspects of its history: the date when the first stone church was built is an estimate, while 1499 is the year of its consecration. The building material also links it to the monastery.

Hedgerows and route

Many shrub-and-tree hedgerows can still be found around Ostersander and neighbouring Westersander. Ihlow Route 1 passes Weene Church, which is located in Ostersander. If you include this route in your plans, check the latest details before setting out, as route information can change.

Getting to Ihlow

Two landmarks can help you find your way to Ihlow. From the Holtrop-Ostersander junction on federal highway 72, tourist signs lead to the forest car park at Ihlower Forst. The route from the A28 via the Filsum exit goes through Hesel (B72), Ostersander, Westersander and Ludwigsdorf. As roads and signage can change, check your route before travelling.

Ihlow as a wider travel destination

Ihlow as a wider travel destination also has its own highlight: the Ihlow Monastery Site is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Check the latest opening information before your trip. The site features a partial reconstruction of the former Cistercian abbey “Schola DeI”. The underground “Room of Traces” contains archaeological excavation finds in an exhibition space that also serves as a place for spiritual reflection.

The “Schola Dei” pilgrimage route starts at the Ihlow Monastery Site and leads to St Ludger’s Church in Norden. It is 40 km long in total and has 16 stations; these details give you a concrete measure for planning the route.

The Grootsche Huus in Ihlowerfehn offers a different focus: the original fen house dates from the 18th century. In its historic rooms, visitors can learn about old East Frisian crafts and see the preserved traditional furnishings of the brick building. The Riepe Mudflat Museum explores how the landscape of Riepe and Riepsterhammrich changed as a result of the water and soil association Emden-Riepe’s siltation project, which ran from 1954 to 1994. Visits are possible by prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Neu Barstede

To the main travel overview: Ihlow.