Loppersum combines distinctive architectural history with a range of ways to explore the town and its surroundings. The Fresenhus manor house, the Evangelical Reformed church and the Fortuna grain mill each tell their own chapter of local history. For exploring outdoors, there are two different options: a free smartphone-based outdoor discovery trail and the Nünepad hiking trail—a navigable circular route and a hike along the Knockster Tief.
Fresenhus and its garden history
The manor house in Loppersum was built in 1859 on the site of Loppersum Castle. It was named “Fresenhus” after its owner. The well-preserved building is privately owned and can therefore only be viewed from the outside. Visits are thus limited to viewing the exterior.
The garden at Fresenhus also has its own historical details. In the 19th century, a lime tree avenue was laid out there as a philosophers’ walk. A garden tea house also served as a dovecote. The meadows of the former Schlinger Garden surrounded the Fresenhus villa. Together, these details give an impression of the garden’s former design, although the manor house itself is not open to the public.
Church and local history
The Evangelical Reformed church in the Loppersum district dates from the second half of the 19th century and replaced an older Gothic brick building. Its bell tower holds three bells dated 1411, 1743 and 1965. Inside are tombstones from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as a private gallery belonging to the neighboring castle lords. The building’s history, bells and tombstones thus point to different historical periods and aspects of the town.
Warf settlement and Fortuna Mill
Loppersum’s historic center is considered a typical warf settlement. This classification draws attention to the settlement pattern as a whole, rather than just individual buildings. The Fortuna grain mill offers a different focus: it was built in 1886 and rebuilt using parts of a water-lifting mill from Suurhusen. In this way, local history can also be explored through a building connected with the history of milling, alongside the manor house and church.
Discovery trail and NĂĽnepad
The discovery trail through Loppersum is a free smartphone-based outdoor experience. It follows a navigable circular route and can be used at any time. As its availability may change, it is advisable to check whether it is currently available before setting out.
The NĂĽnepad is a hiking trail from Osterhusen through Suurhusen to Loppersum, running along the Knockster Tief. The two options differ in format: the discovery trail is a circular route through Loppersum, while the NĂĽnepad is a named hiking route that follows the waterway through several towns. When choosing between a digital discovery trail and a hiking route, you can pick the option that best suits the kind of exploration you prefer.
For orientation: Loppersum is six kilometers north of Emden on the B 210 toward Aurich and is part of the municipality of Hinte.
Other historic sites in the wider destination of Hinte
The wider destination of Hinte also has historic sites of its own. The mill in Hinte is a three-storey gallery Dutch mill, built in 1869. The art gallery and the Frisian room can be opened by appointment; mill tours are also available by appointment. Be sure to arrange such a visit in advance. Hinte Water Castle was built in 1438 on the remains of Osterburg and has retained the character of an East Frisian chieftain’s castle to this day. It is privately owned and inhabited, and can therefore only be viewed from the outside.
For the wider travel overview: Hinte.
