Discover Dunum: Church, walking trail, and history

Church and Radbodsberg: History in concrete measurements

The baptismal font in Dunum Church was carved from a granite boulder in the 12th century or around 1200. It probably dates back to the earlier wooden church. This single furnishing brings together the dating to the 12th century or around 1200 and the cautious account of the building’s history. Anyone interested in historic churches will find a tangible point of reference here that goes beyond simply naming the building.

Another historical point of reference lies within the municipality of Dunum: Radbodsberg is located on Am Radbodsberg road. More than 25 meters in diameter and about three meters high, it is East Friesland’s largest prehistoric mound. These approximate measurements give a sense of its scale. Together with the baptismal font, it broadens the focus from the history of the church to a prehistoric monument in the municipality.

Plan your trip on foot and by bike

The East Friesland Hiking Trail runs directly through Dunum. If you would like to include a hiking route in your holiday plans, this is a practical consideration when choosing accommodation. The Dunum Local Heritage and Tourism Association also offers group cycling and hiking tours. The local options therefore include both a designated hiking route and group tours organized by the association.

For planning purposes, it is worth distinguishing between these options: the hiking trail is a route that passes through Dunum, while the cycling and hiking tours are offered by the association. If joining a group tour is an important part of your stay, check the relevant date in advance.

Wittmund as a wider travel destination

The wider Wittmund destination offers additional cultural and nature-related themes. The Peldemühle, built in 1741 for hulling barley, was constructed with a residential building and barn and is the oldest single-storey gallery Dutch windmill in northwestern Germany. Its historic bakehouse demonstrates how grain is processed from flour into bread. The Wittmund attractions therefore highlight both mill construction and grain processing.

Wittmund is also home to the “Hands of Fame” promenade, located in the pedestrian zone. It includes the unique “Bundespräsidentenplatz” (Federal President Square), inaugurated in 2010. The Robert von Zeppelin Aviation Museum also opened in Wittmund’s pedestrian zone in June 2015. It presents Wittmund’s regional history, closely linked to aviation, and introduces young people in particular to the historic “Wittmundhafen” airfield. Exhibits include artifacts from aviation, works by local artists, and other items.

Wittmund offers different attractions for nature and park enthusiasts. The Wittmund Forest covers more than 700 hectares and has several hiking trails and paths for walks and cycling tours. Within it lies a circular forest moor, described as a glacial Pingo ruin; there is also a viewing platform with a bench. In Wittmund Palace Park, the site of the castle built in 1461 lies within the well-preserved ramparts. Curving paths, bodies of water, and benches characterize the park, which is used for music events in summer, among other things. If a concert is important to your plans, check the specific event dates.

Find a holiday apartment to suit your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Dunum, you can base your choice on the themes you want to focus on: the East Friesland Hiking Trail, the association’s activities, and the history within the municipality, or cultural and nature destinations in the wider Wittmund area. Consider which of these interests will shape your trip, and check the relevant tour and event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wittmund, Westerholt, Ochtersum, Eversmeer, Holtriem, Esens, Nenndorf, Utarp

Back to the wider travel overview: Wittmund.