In Aurich, there are options for different kinds of days out: windmill history and architecture, water activities and nature experiences. The Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station adds environmental education and insights into the plant and bird life of wet meadows. Further afield in the region, you’ll find cycling routes and a historic landscaped garden. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether culture, nature or activities on the water should take centre stage.
Nature and environmental education at Fehntjer Tief
The Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station is an out-of-school learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. It works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of Fehntjer Tief. In spring and summer, students and visitors can experience the plant and bird life of the wet meadows on explorations on foot or by bicycle. Anyone interested in landscapes and biodiversity will find a dedicated focus on nature and environmental education here.
The grounds of the nature conservation station are also home to a listed Gulfhaus, a traditional East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843. It offers an architectural link to the region’s agricultural history, while the station also focuses on today’s natural and cultural landscape.
Windmills and architectural heritage in Aurich
The Stiftsmühle Mill Museum illustrates the development and significance of windmill culture rooted in East Frisia across its five floors. Aurich’s Stiftsmühle is Germany’s tallest historic windmill open to visitors. The story of windmills therefore spans everything from the historic structure to the development of a craft rooted in the region.
The Reformed Church of Aurich offers a different architectural accent. It is the only Neoclassical central-plan building in the Weser-Ems region and was designed as a rotunda with a dome supported by eight Corinthian columns. Together with its organ and the vicarage dating from 1859, the church forms an ensemble of cultural and historical significance. Since its restoration from 2001 to 2003, the church and organ have largely retained their original appearance. Anyone wishing to compare different architectural styles will find a clear contrast here with the agriculturally inspired design of the Gulfhaus.
Water activities and circular routes
The leisure and recreation area at Tannenhausen bathing lake has a wakeboard facility and an aqua park. There is also a pedal boat and SUP hire service. This means you can choose between facilities for activities on the water and hire options for exploring under your own steam—all in one place.
The Aurich circular route “North Route” combines nature and high-tech experiences and passes megalithic tombs in Tannenhausen that are around 5,000 years old. Aurich harbour makes a convenient starting point, with parking, refreshments and bicycle hire if needed. The MS Stadt Aurich also offers two excursions from the harbour. As timetables can change, it’s best to check the latest departure times before planning your day.
Cycling and garden excursions further afield
If you’re interested in museums and regional history, consider Route 900 in Südbrookmerland. This cycling route is around 35 kilometres long and passes seven museums and exhibitions. It offers insights into the history of Südbrookmerland, including moorland settlements, village history and the milling trade. The Frisian route “Rad up Pad” offers a different focus: it follows the signposted cycle network throughout and is marked with its own symbol. Along the way, it passes castles, manor houses, churches and windmills through Geest, marsh and moorland landscapes, as well as along the coast and by the water.
Another option further afield in the region is Lütetsburg Castle Park, a 30-hectare private English landscape garden. Visitors can explore avenues and winding paths, discover rhododendrons and azaleas, and learn about historic features of the garden’s origins. The options range from a cycling route with museums and exhibitions, to a signposted Frisian route, to a garden where the paths and history shape the visit.
Discover more destinations: Berumbur, Marienhafe, Wiesmoor, Wirdum, Hagermarsch, Dornum, Südbrookmerland, Krummhörn, Norden, Hinte, Rechtsupweg, Leezdorf, Großheide, Hage, Ihlow, Aurich, Großefehn, Upgant-Schott, Lütetsburg, Wrisse, Osteel, Halbemond and Tannenhausen.
Go to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.
