Wybelsum has existed as an old terp settlement since around 1000 AD; the Larrelt circular cycling route also passes through the village. These two focal points show what you can base your stay around: settlement and church history, or a specific cycling route with links to the polder landscape. The Old Church adds unusual details to the historical focus, while the surrounding landscape offers further points of interest. This can help you assess which aspects suit your travel plans before looking for accommodation.
Terp settlement and the Old Church
The village of Wybelsum has existed as an old terp settlement since around 1000 AD. It was originally established on the slightly elevated northern riverbank. This settlement history dates back well before the construction of the Old Church, which was built in 1700. The two dates divide the historical focus into an early settlement and a later church building.
The church furnishings also tell the story of another place: the pulpit, communion table and pews come from the former church in Geerdswehr. The village of Geerdswehr was surrendered to the floods of the Ems in 1699. This links Wybelsum’s history with the origins of the church furnishings. Another musical detail is the 1894 Vocalion. This large pressure-wind harmonium is housed in the Old Church and may be the only instrument of its kind in Europe. The building date, furnishings and instrument offer three different ways to explore local history.
Circular cycling route and polder landscape
The Larrelt circular cycling route passes through Logumer Vorwerk to Wybelsum, heading towards Bartshausen on the Knockster Tief and continuing to the “Pünte”. It also runs along the wind farm in the Wybelsum/Larrelt polder. The route provides specific places and directions to help you plan your ride; the stretch through the polder adds a distinctive landscape feature. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may change.
Numerous wetland biotopes and enclosed dredged-material fields lie in the southern part of the Wybelsum polder, parallel to the dike. These were created as compensation areas for projects by the Lower Saxony Ports Authority/N-Ports. In the city of Emden, the sea dike by the Wybelsum polder is one of the special destinations for recreation and leisure. This offers different aspects to consider when choosing a focus for your trip: the specific route of the circular cycling trail and the polder landscape, with its recreational appeal along the sea dike.
The Wybelsum leading light
The Wybelsum leading light is an 18.9-metre-high concrete tower with a red-and-white band; it was built in 1969/70. As a technical structure, it adds a maritime dimension to the village’s history. While the Old Church centres on the building’s history, the origins of its furnishings and a musical instrument, here the height, design and construction date shape the impression. This adds another distinct perspective on Wybelsum to the themes of settlement, church and cycling.
Cultural attractions in the wider destination of Emden
The wider destination of Emden offers further cultural attractions with clearly distinct themes. Kunsthalle Emden mainly presents Classical Modern art and has an affiliated art school. Dat Otto Huus documents the career of Emden comedian Otto Waalkes. Across two floors, it displays photos and mementos from his life, his films, well-known props from films and tours, and his awards and prizes. Emden thus brings together art and a biographical collection as distinct areas of interest.
The Emden Bunker Museum is located in an authentic bunker on Holzsägerstraße. It traces the period from the beginning of National Socialism through the Second World War to Emden’s post-war reconstruction. The museum offers groups informative guided tours in various formats, including outside regular opening hours. As arrangements may change, groups should check the latest options before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Petkum, Twixlum, Emden, Hilmarsum settlement, JarĂźum, Logumer Vorwerk
Go to the wider travel overview: Emden.
