Aurich: Discover the Old Town, Church Art and Mills
Accommodation in Aurich
Aurich can be explored through a range of discoveries: the old town tells the story of its history as a residential city, its churches preserve remarkable art and architecture, and a historic windmill shapes the cityscape. There are also experiences centred on energy, tea and cycling. Which of these aspects interests you most can also guide your search for a holiday apartment in Aurich.
File:Aurich — Burgstrasse Blickrichtung Kernstadt (vorne 2 Torpfeiler) 2014-msu-9937.jpg
Photo: User:Matthias Süßen via Source, CC BY-SA 3.0
Old-town history and church art
In the heart of Aurich’s old town is the Historical Museum, housed in the former princely chancery. It presents Aurich’s history as a residential city. The museum’s programme includes lively guided tours of the town and museum, led by costumed guides known as the Aurich cultural figures. Visitors can also experience an East Frisian tea ceremony there, with stories and myths about tea. Check with the museum to find out whether guided tours and the tea ceremony are available on the date of your visit.
The Lambertikirche also brings together architectural history and a remarkable work of art. This Evangelical Lutheran church is home to the late Gothic “Ihlow” altar, an Antwerp retable. The Guild of Saint Luke carved it between 1510 and 1515; in 1529, during the Reformation, it was brought to Aurich from Ihlow Monastery along with the organ.
The Lambertikirche was rebuilt between 1833 and 1835 to designs by Aurich master builder and councillor of commerce Conrad Bernhard Meyer, and is a Neoclassical church. The Reformed Church of Aurich represents an earlier building period: it was built between 1812 and 1814 to designs by Aurich architect C. B. Meyer and is the only Neoclassical central-plan church in the Weser-Ems region. The different dates and architectural styles offer a specific reason to take a closer look at both churches.
Mills, energy and experiences on the water
The Aurich Stiftsmühle is a historic windmill and a landmark visible from far away. From the gallery, visitors can take in views across Aurich. Those who would rather explore the mills by bike can follow a clearly described route: the 32-kilometre Aurich Mill Tour passes right by the Stiftsmühle and takes in all five of Aurich’s historic mills. Check the route conditions before setting off.
The ENERGIE ERLEBNIS ZENTRUM Ostfriesland offers a different way to explore the subject. Its interactive ENERGIE ZUKUNFT exhibition presents various aspects of energy in a fun and informative way. In the ENERGIE TURM, visitors can also experience a 360-degree projection about the power of energy. The exhibition and projection offer different highlights within a visit focused on energy.
The historic excursion boat MS Stadt Aurich is based at Aurich’s sports and leisure harbour on the Ems-Jade Canal and offers sightseeing cruises. If you are planning a trip, check with the operator for current sailings.
Tannenhausen: lake and archaeological heritage
Nearby lies Tannenhausen, a district outside the central town area. The Tannenhausen megalithic tomb comprises megalithic burial sites dating back around 5,000 years to the Funnelbeaker culture. They were destroyed during Christianisation and the church building that accompanied it—an archaeological glimpse into the distant past.
Visitors can bathe and swim at Tannenhausen bathing lake; lifeguards from the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) ensure safety. Dogs have their own specially created, fenced-off area with a separate entrance, where owners can relax with their pets. Check the local conditions at the lake before your visit.
Within the wider Aurich destination
In the wider Aurich destination, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of the Fehntjer Tief. It is also an extracurricular learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. In spring and summer, schoolchildren and visitors can explore the plants and birdlife of the Fehntjer Tief’s wet meadows on walks or cycling trips. The station is home to a listed Gulfhaus, a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843.
Plan your stay around your interests
When looking for a holiday apartment in Aurich, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on: old-town history and church art offer a different experience from the mill tour or a visit to the bathing lake in Tannenhausen. This way, you can choose accommodation to suit the experiences you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Hinte, Hage, Marienhafe, Großheide, Südbrookmerland, Wirdum, Osteel, Ihlow.
Back to the overarching travel guide: Aurich.
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