Beningafehn: Tea Afternoons, Baking Days and Fehn History

Beningafehn is a moorland settlement whose history can be traced from its original name to its present-day name. Local cultural life also offers concrete points of interest: monthly tea afternoons are held at the Vehnhus, and baking days take place regularly. Together with the long-standing theater group, these offer two appealing perspectives for planning your trip: the origins of the Fehn and recurring cultural events.

From “Louwermans Vehn” to Beningafehn

In 1772, Privy Councillor Arent Jan van Louwerman founded the Fehn in a moorland area between Kiefeld and Gut Stikelkamp, which was considered part of the Hesel cadastral district. Its original name was “Louwermans Vehn.” In 1788, the Fehn was sold to the Lantzius-Beninga family, based at Gut Stikelkamp; it was named Beningafehn after them. The two dates thus mark its founding and the later name change. Anyone interested in the history of the moorland settlement will find a concrete way to explore how the place name developed in this sequence of events.

Plattdeutsch Tea Afternoons and Local Traditions

The monthly tea afternoons take place at the Vehnhus in Beningafehn and are held in Plattdeutsch. The program includes readings, theater performances and occasional talks. Homemade cakes are also served. The afternoon thus brings together language, literature, stage performances and a culinary touch in a recurring event.

The Beningafehn theater group has been active for over 50 years. Its long history adds another dimension to local cultural life alongside the monthly tea afternoons. This does not mean that a current performance is taking place; for planning a trip, the monthly tea afternoons are the specific event described here.

For many years, the Beningafehn Heritage Association (Heimatverein Beningafehn e.V. von 1990) and the Beningafehn Boßel Club (Boßelverein Beningafehn e.V. von 1981) have regularly organized baking days. Alongside the gatherings at the Vehnhus, they represent another local tradition. If you would like to plan your trip around these events, check the dates against your planned stay in advance.

More Culture and Nature in the Wider Destination of Hesel

In the wider destination of Hesel, the Archaeological Exhibition at Villa Popken offers a different historical focus: it presents the settlement history of the Geest village of Hesel from the Stone and Bronze Ages through to the Middle Ages. One particular focus is the history of Barthe Monastery in Heseler Forst. The Ludgeri Church also has a varied architectural history. The medieval building had to be demolished because it had fallen into disrepair; a new church was built in 1742. The pulpit and altar had already been made in 1653 by Tönnies Mahler from Leer. Mahler was a carpenter, woodcarver and panel painter.

For nature and outdoor activities, there is an adventure playground and a tree trail in Heseler Wald. You can also enjoy long forest walks there and observe local wildlife. Around Gut Stikelkamp, approximately five kilometers of forest trails invite you to take a walk. The estate was once an outlying farm of the former Hasselt Commandery of the Order of St. John; its residence showcases the high-status rural living culture of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The 41-kilometer Hesel Experience Route is a cycling tour that includes, among other things, a river crossing on a “do-it-yourself ferry.” The ferry’s seasonal operating schedule may vary; check the timetable before your tour. Another option is the Hesel swimming pool: the pool measures 16.66 × 8.00 meters and has a movable floor. Following renovations in 2013/2014 and 2023/2024, the pool is once again open to the public.

When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay: local history and cultural events in Beningafehn, or perhaps exhibitions, woodland, cycling and swimming in the wider destination of Hesel. This will help you tailor your search to the kind of trip you want.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kleinhesel, Neuemoor, Siebestock.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Hesel.