Dollart: Mudflats, Mills and Cycling Route

In Dollart, the mudflats, storm-surge history and regional architecture offer different topics to explore. At the edge of the Dollart mudflats stands the Kiekkaaste observation tower; there are also historic mills and churches, as well as opportunities to explore the area by bicycle. You can shape your stay around wildlife watching, culture or outdoor activities.

Mudflats and storm-surge history

The Dollart was formed in the 13th or 14th century by several storm surges and is now about 100 km² in size. The Wynhamster Kolk illustrates the effects of such events with a specific example: a “Kolk” is a pond or lake. The Wynhamster Kolk was formed in 1715 by a storm surge that breached the former dike and swept away the pastureland behind it. At 72 ha, it was once the largest Kolk in the Rheiderland.

Wildlife also offers a clear connection to the water level. At low tide, wading birds and ducks search for food in the mud in front of the Kiekkaaste observation tower. If you are interested in wildlife watching, there is a clear focus here: the birds’ search for food depends on low tide.

The mill and churches in Dollart

The Wynhamster Kolk wind- and water-powered drainage mill was built in 1804. Its wind-driven sails power an Archimedes’ screw through a gear system, which can lift up to 80 litres of water per second. The sequence of sails, gears and screw makes the technical principle easy to understand: wind power is used to move water.

The Reformed Church in Landschaftspolder was built in 1768 in the centre of the village. It is the only place of worship in the East Frisian polder areas. The small roof turret for the bells on the church in Ditzumerverlaat is rare in East Frisia. The mill therefore highlights a technical function, while the churches reveal their architectural form and religious history.

Cycling route and Paddel und Pedal station

The International Dollard Route passes through the dike-row settlement of Ditzumerhammrich, which belongs to the Dollart district of Bunde, and continues to the Wynhamster Kolk. The Paddel und Pedal station is in Ditzumerverlaat, which belongs to the village of Dollart and the municipality of Bunde. From there, for example, you can take a trip to Ditzum and return by bicycle. Check the current availability of the trips before travelling.

There are different options to consider when planning: the route continues to the Wynhamster Kolk, while the trips mentioned from the station go to Ditzum and allow you to return by bicycle. This lets you decide whether to focus more on the history of the landscape or on a trip to Ditzum.

More cultural and natural attractions in Bunde

The destination of Bunde has its own historical and cultural attractions. Bunde Mill was built in 1869 and extended in 1911 into a four-storey gallery Dutch mill with an octagonal structure and a brick base. The Dollart Museum is at Rheiderlandstraße 3 in Bunde. In the Dollart Nature and Culture Park, old dikes, mills, dike culverts and other historical features are signposted; visitors can explore and visit them by bicycle.

The Evangelical Reformed Church in Bunde, formerly St Martin’s Church, stands in the village centre and is one of East Frisia’s most noteworthy cross-shaped churches. Its nave dates from the early 13th century; the other parts were built in several phases. The transept and rectangular choir display Romanesque-Gothic stylistic features.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Dollart, your preferred type of trip can be a useful starting point: wildlife watching, technical and religious architecture, or a cycling trip each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Bunderhee, Boen.

Go to the main travel overview: Bunde.