Hinte: Windmill, Moated Castle and Late Gothic Church
Accommodation in Hinte
A three-storey windmill, an inhabited moated castle and a late Gothic church give Hinte a distinctive cultural profile. There are also two different ways to experience the landscape on foot or by bicycle. When planning your vacation, you can decide whether to focus on historic buildings or outdoor activities.
Windmill and Moated Castle: Two Special Buildings
The windmill in Hinte is a three-storey Dutch windmill with a gallery, built in 1869. The painting gallery and the Frisian Room can be opened by appointment; guided tours of the mill are also available by appointment. If you are planning a tour or a visit to the rooms, it is best to arrange this before your trip. The windmill is also the starting point for the “Across the Großes Meer to Emden” cycling route, linking a cultural destination with a specific opportunity to begin a bike tour in Hinte.
The moated castle tells a different story: it was built in 1438 on the remains of Osterburg Castle and has preserved the character of an East Frisian chieftain’s castle to this day. It is privately owned and inhabited, so it can only be viewed from the outside. Its historic charm can be appreciated by looking at the building, rather than by visiting its interior.
Late Gothic Church and Art in the Choir
The church in Hinte is a hall church built at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. With its polygonal choir, it is one of the few late Gothic churches in East Frisia. Remnants of late Gothic floral paintings have been preserved in the choir, including a depiction of Christ as Judge of the World dating from around 1500. The chalice-shaped sandstone baptismal font dates from 1569.
The architecture, wall paintings and baptismal font each make a distinct impression: the building’s design points to late Gothic style, while the paintings and font offer specific details inside the church. This makes the church another chapter in Hinte’s history, complementing the windmill and moated castle.
Explore by Bike or on Foot
The “Across the Großes Meer to Emden” cycling route starts at the windmill in Hinte. Another option is the Nünepad: this walking trail follows the Knockster Tief to Suurhusen and passes through the countryside around Hinte. The two routes offer different experiences. One starts at a distinctive building and has Emden in its name; the other is described as a walking trail along the Knockster Tief and through the surrounding area of Hinte.
This lets you choose between a cycling tour and a walking trail when planning your trip, without losing sight of the cultural attractions. If you are considering Hinte as a vacation destination, you can look for a holiday apartment based on the mix of architectural history, art and activity you want. The windmill provides a specific starting point for the cycling route, while the Nünepad leads through the countryside around Hinte toward Suurhusen.
A Regional Look at Aurich
In the wider destination of Aurich, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Centre complements Hinte’s cultural attractions with nature and environmental education. The centre works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of “Fehntjer Tief.” It is an out-of-school environmental education centre, as well as a place for people to meet and for public outreach.
In spring and summer, students and visitors can experience the plant and bird life in the wet meadows of Fehntjer Tief on walking or cycling tours. The nature conservation centre is also home to the listed Gulfhaus, a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843. These regional themes are part of the wider destination of Aurich and form a separate focus alongside Hinte’s buildings and routes.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Suurhusen, Loppersum.
More destinations: Marienhafe, Berumbur, Rechtsupweg, Tannenhausen, Südbrookmerland, Dornum.
For the overview of the wider destination: Aurich.
