Discover Papenburg

Discover Papenburg through its shipbuilding history, historic buildings and cultural attractions. Modern shipyard technology, an interactive exhibition about the shipyard and seaport town, historic replica sailing ships and an open-air museum offer different perspectives. You can tailor the focus of your stay to your personal interests.

Shipbuilding and maritime history

At the MEYER WERFT Visitor Center, you can experience modern, sustainable shipbuilding up close. The Maritime Erlebniswelt adds a look at Papenburg’s history: across 1,000 m², its interactive exhibits tell the story of the town as a shipbuilding and seaport location, as well as the development of wooden and steel shipbuilding.

The canals also showcase the town’s maritime traditions. The Friederike is one of six historic replica sailing ships moored at various locations along Papenburg’s canals, where they symbolize the town’s shipping and shipbuilding heritage. Together with the Visitor Center and the Maritime Erlebniswelt, the replicas offer a historical perspective alongside modern shipbuilding.

Mills, houses and museums

The restored Meyers Mühle is a Papenburg landmark between the main canal and the town park. Built in 1888, this gallery Dutch windmill houses an interactive permanent exhibition about its history. The Alte Drostei is one of Papenburg’s oldest houses. Meticulously restored, it is now a cultural center hosting changing exhibitions, concerts, readings and dining experiences.

In Aschendorf, the Heimathaus offers a glimpse into traditional crafts and agriculture in the 19th and 20th centuries. This house, dating from 1898, features original machinery that brings the history of crafts in Papenburg to life. The Von-Velen-Anlage offers a different way to explore the town’s history: this open-air museum is located in Papenburg’s Obenende district and is easy to reach by bike or car.

Gardens and golf

Gut Altenkamp is also located in Papenburg’s Aschendorf district. Its Baroque garden features imposing yew hedges that are more than 200 years old. The Papenburg golf course has 18 holes across just over 70 hectares, making it one of the largest in the region. Together, these attractions range from historic houses and garden culture to an expansive golf course.

Getting around by bike

Papenburg railway station has a secure-access, video-monitored bicycle station. It can accommodate around 120 bicycles, as well as up to six cargo bikes or bicycles with trailers. There are also 40 lockers with charging facilities for e-bike batteries. If you plan to use the bicycle station, check its current operating information in advance.

More to explore in the Emsland

The Hümmling Nature Park, in the wider Emsland travel destination, covers around 580 square kilometers in the northeastern part of Emsland district. Cycling and hiking trails with information stations along the way pass historic sites, megalithic tombs and Clemenswerth Castle.

Also within the wider Emsland travel destination, the Crane Trail leads about 2.5 kilometers into the Theikenmeer nature reserve. The return route follows the same path, making the total walking distance about five kilometers. A viewing platform offers panoramic views of Lake Theikenmeer and the Wehmer Dose moorland; there is also an observation hut on the lakeshore.

Discover more destinations: Kluse, Dohren, Geeste, Werlte, Meppen, Düthe, Dörpen, Haselünne

View the wider travel overview: Emsland.