Aurich: Nature, Mills and East Frisian Culture

Nature and Cultural Landscape at the Fehntjer Tief

The nature conservation centre combines environmental education with a commitment to a distinctive natural and cultural landscape. Those interested in plants and birds can get to know the wet meadows through seasonal excursions. The activities are described for spring and summer; during this time, visitors can explore the area on foot or by bicycle. The Gulfhaus at the centre adds a chapter of East Frisian architectural history to this natural setting: this listed farmhouse type dates from 1843 and represents a characteristic regional building style.

Mills, Churches and Architecture

In Aurich, the Stiftsmühle Mill Museum illustrates the development and significance of windmill traditions rooted in East Frisia across five floors. Aurich’s Stiftsmühle is the tallest historic windmill in Germany that is open to visitors. The city’s cultural offerings therefore include both the history of mills and a striking historic building.

The Reformed Church of Aurich is also architecturally remarkable: it is the only Neoclassical central-plan church in the Weser-Ems region and was designed as a circular building with a dome supported by eight Corinthian columns. Together with its organ and the 1859 rectory, it forms a culturally and historically significant architectural ensemble. Since its restoration between 2001 and 2003, the church and organ have largely retained their original state. The mill museum, windmill and church offer different ways to explore regional history and architecture.

Cycling, Water and Excursions

The “North Route” circular tour around Aurich combines nature and high-tech experiences and leads to megalithic tombs in Tannenhausen that are about 5,000 years old. Aurich Harbour is a recommended starting point; there is parking, food and, if needed, bicycle rental. Check these details again before setting off. Two sightseeing trips aboard the MS Stadt Aurich also depart from the harbour. As schedules can change, it is worth checking the latest departure times before planning your trip.

The recreational area at Tannenhausen bathing lake includes a wakeboard facility and an aqua park. There is also pedal-boat and SUP rental. Alongside historic and nature-focused attractions, visitors can enjoy activities on the water.

Further afield in the region, the approximately 35-kilometre Route 900 offers a different perspective: it passes through Südbrookmerland and by seven museums and exhibitions. Along the way, it provides insights into moorland settlements, village history and the milling trade. The “Rad up Pad” Frisian Route follows the signed cycling network throughout and is marked with its own symbol. It leads past castles, manor houses, churches and windmills through Geest, marsh and moorland landscapes, along the coast and beside the water.

Also further afield in the region is the private, 30-hectare English landscape garden at Lütetsburg Castle. Visitors can discover rhododendrons and azaleas along its avenues and winding paths, as well as explore historic features that trace the garden’s origins.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday apartment in Aurich, it helps to first decide which kinds of outings appeal to you: nature watching and seasonal activities at the Fehntjer Tief, mill history and architecture, cycling, or attractions at the bathing lake. The options also differ in character: the North Route combines nature and high tech, while Route 900 leads to museums and exhibitions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Berumbur, Marienhafe, Wiesmoor, Wirdum, Hagermarsch, Dornum, Südbrookmerland, Krummhörn, Norden, Hinte, Rechtsupweg, Leezdorf, Großheide, Hage, Ihlow, Aurich, Großefehn, Upgant-Schott, Lütetsburg, Wrisse, Osteel, Halbemond, Tannenhausen.

To the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.