Leer: Springs, Churches and Mills

In Leer, church history, springs at the Leerbach, historic mills and a preserved ropewalk come together in different ways. If you are looking for a hotel in Leer, these themes can help you choose the focus of your stay based on your interests.

Church history in Leer

The Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Leer was built around 1200 on the grounds of the Fronhof “Leheri”, which belonged to Werden Abbey on the Ruhr. A crucifix dating from around 1300 is considered the oldest surviving work of art there. The church’s construction date and the crucifix are two distinct historical points of interest: the church building and a specific work of sacred art.

Springs and scenery along the Leerbach

The Jannings spring, a natural monument that feeds the Leerbach, lies in the village of Leer, within the Herrenholz nature reserve. South of the village of Leer, the Jannings spring and the nearby Schwarthoffs spring are located in the Leerbach area. The Jannings spring is a spring hollow measuring 8 to 10 metres; up to 14 springs lie along its edge. Thus, in addition to the stream itself, the shape of the spring hollow and the number of springs are specific features of this landscape.

The NaTourismus Route passes the clear spring of the Leerbach and continues to the Altenberg ridge. If you use the route for trip planning, check the current route description: the exact route may change.

Mills and historic work

The historic mills of Schmedding and Wenning are located along the Leerbach. They are different types of mill: Schmedding’s Mill was a windmill and watermill, while Wenning’s Mill was a watermill. Leer is also home to a preserved historic ropewalk. For many years, sturdy ropes were laid there, including ropes for ships. These landmarks point to different aspects of history: mills and rope-making for shipping.

Further architectural and local history

Haus Alst, a moated castle built in 1624, stands in the Alst farming community in Leer. Another historic feature is the preserved ropewalk; unlike the mills, it is associated with the production of sturdy ropes. These examples offer different insights into local history, without implying that they belong to the same period or activity.

Horstmar as the wider travel destination

In the wider travel destination of Horstmar, the historic old town has a clearly laid-out medieval plan, with the church and town hall at its centre. Former fortified Burgmann courtyards define the outer sides of the square old town. The castle gate, also called the Burgtor, is the last surviving of Horstmar’s four town gates and is considered unique in Westphalia.

The Merveldter Hof was built in 1561 as a magnificent three-wing complex in the Dutch Renaissance style. A distinctive architectural feature is its “Specklagentechnik” (layered stonework technique). St. Gertrude’s Church in Horstmar is a Gothic hall church dating from the second half of the 14th century. Its tower, over 66 metres tall, still has visible loopholes that point to its original function as a defensive tower.

The Borchorster Hof is another historic landmark in Horstmar; it was first mentioned in a document in 1277. The site of the former Horstmar Castle is an archaeological monument. Sandstone blocks mark the former course of the wall. Horstmar is also directly connected to the 39.4-kilometre RadBahn Münsterland cycle route. This railway trail follows the former railway line from Rheine to Coesfeld. Check current route information before setting out, as the infrastructure may change.

For the wider travel overview: Horstmar.