Suurhusen: Church with a Leaning Tower and a Farmworkers’ Museum

The church and the farmworkers’ museum in Suurhusen represent two different aspects of cultural history. The church tells the story of building changes since the 13th century; the museum focuses on the lives and work of farmworker families in the villages of the marshlands. This spans a period from a medieval church building to the mid-20th century.

The church and its leaning tower

The historic church in Suurhusen was built in the first half of the 13th century. When the tower was added in 1450, the nave had to be shortened by about a quarter. The tower addition was therefore not merely an extension; it also brought about a specific change to the nave.

The church tower has an inclination of 5.19 degrees. A visit to the tower is possible by prior arrangement; guided tours are available by appointment. If you are planning a visit or guided tour, arrange the date locally before you travel.

A glimpse into life in the villages of the marshlands

The Suurhusen Farmworkers’ Museum explores the living and working conditions of farmworker families in the villages of the marshlands, from around 1900 to 1950. The focus is therefore not only on work, but also on family life. The museum is housed in a historic building dating from 1688, which was restored based on its condition in 1900. The dates refer to different aspects: 1688 indicates the age of the building, while 1900 is the basis for its restoration; the way of life and work portrayed extends to around 1950.

Cultural attractions in the wider destination of Hinte

In the wider destination of Hinte, the mill is a notable historic landmark: it is a three-storey gallery windmill, built in 1869. The art gallery and the Frisian room can be opened by prior arrangement; mill tours are also available by prior arrangement. Arrange access to these attractions before your trip.

Hinte moated castle was built in 1438 on the remains of Osterburg. It has retained its character as an East Frisian chieftain’s castle to this day. It is privately owned and inhabited, so it can only be viewed from the outside. Check local visitor information before travelling.

The church in Hinte also features several details of architectural and art-historical interest. It was built in the late 15th or early 16th century as a hall church with a polygonal choir, and is one of the few late Gothic churches in East Frisia. The choir retains remnants of late Gothic floral decoration, including a depiction of Christ as Judge of the World, created around 1500. Another feature is the chalice-shaped sandstone baptismal font from 1569. The construction period, paintings and baptismal font each point to different periods in the church’s history.

Two activities are described in the wider destination of Hinte: a cycling tour and a walking route. The cycling tour “Across the Großes Meer to Emden” starts in Hinte at the windmill. The Nünepad offers a walking route along the Knockster Tief to Suurhusen and through the countryside around Hinte.

Discover more destinations: Loppersum

Return to the overview of destinations: Hinte.