Apen between freshwater tidal flats and church history
Accommodation in Apen
Apen combines a water-shaped landscape with architectural and cultural history. The town lies on the border between the park-like landscape of the Ammerland and East Frisia’s fenland. Winding waterways, straight canals and green dikes define the scenery. If you’re looking for a hotel in Apen, deciding whether you’re most interested in cycling and nature trails or historic sites can help you plan your trip.
Water Landscapes and Tides
The freshwater tidal flats lie along the Aper Tief and are the only freshwater tidal flats in northwestern Germany. They were created in 2005, when the southern dike was moved back to create a retention area for potential flooding. Walking along the dike is one way to explore the area. Two retention areas along the Aper Tief helped lead to the creation of a nature reserve.
The Aper Tief is connected to the North Sea via the Jümme, Leda and Ems rivers, so the tides can be felt in Apen. The landscape can also be read in its different waterways: along with winding waters, straight canals and green dikes are part of the area’s scenery.
Routes with Different Focal Points
You can reach the Tange Landscape Window via hiking trails, a signposted walking route and quiet cycling paths. The region around Apen is considered suitable for cycling, canoeing, fishing and hiking. This offers different ways to include the landscape in your travel plans without requiring all activities to follow the same route or start from the same point.
The historic cycling tour through Apen is a 48-kilometre discovery route. Information boards tell stories at twelve historic sites. If you’re choosing between a bike tour and a walk, you’ll find two different ways to explore: the cycle route combines exercise with historic stops, while the dike walk focuses on the freshwater tidal flats. Check the cycle route signs before setting off.
In Augustfehn, visitors can exchange a canoe for a bicycle at the Paddel-und-Pedal station for the return trip. As operating arrangements may change, it’s a good idea to check the current conditions in advance.
Churches, Mills and Cultural History
St. Nikolai Church in Apen dates back to the 13th century. Its free-standing bell tower dates to the 15th century; the pulpit was created by sculptor Ludwig MĂĽnstermann around 1625. Vreschen-Bokel Chapel was built on a dwelling mound in 1456. For a long time, it was one of only two places of worship in Apen, alongside St. Nikolai.
The history of Hengstforde Mill also stretches far back: a wooden mill stood on the site from 1742 and was replaced by a stone building in the late 19th century. The listed boiler house and the Ironworks Tower have been preserved on the ironworks site in Augustfehn. Together, these two places offer different perspectives on the region’s architectural history.
The Männeken Theatre has been a permanent venue in the municipality since 1993; its programme may change. Guided tours at the Ham Museum offer insights into the rooms and techniques associated with curing, the smokehouse and tradition. Apen is also home to the oldest ham smokehouse in the Ammerland. Museum tours are available on request.
Discover more destinations: Augustfehn, Godensholt, Bad Zwischenahn, Rastede, Edewecht, Wiefelstede, Westerstede.
Back to the main travel overview: Ammerland.
