The church in Critzum is a clear cultural and historical point of interest: its history dates back to the 13th century, and its Romanesque origins are still visible in some of its windows. Inside is a Baroque pulpit from the second half of the 17th century. Here, you can encounter different periods in one place—from its earlier origins to later furnishings. If you would like to broaden the historical focus of your stay, the wider destination of Jemgum offers further themes related to buildings, museums and landscapes.

Church in Critzum: Romanesque traces and a Baroque pulpit

During your visit, you can look out for two specific details: the windows, which retain traces of their Romanesque origins, and the Baroque pulpit from the second half of the 17th century. The church dates from the 13th century, so the pulpit belongs to a much later phase of its furnishings. This makes a visit about more than the date of a single building: the architecture and furnishings point to different periods in the building’s history.

The church can be visited at any time. Admission is free; donations are voluntary. If you are travelling to Critzum specifically to visit the church, it is still worth checking local visitor information in advance.

Jemgum: local history and buildings

In the wider destination of Jemgum, local history leads from the harbour to the market square: Jemgum’s former harbour was established on an old tidal creek that ran inland from the Ems. The market square is now located there. The main settlement of Jemgum was already an important market town with urban features in the 15th century. This history of trade and the town adds another historical perspective to a visit to the church in Critzum, while remaining a theme of the wider destination.

Jemgum’s buildings also reflect different periods. The church in Jemgum was built in the 13th century as the church of the Johanniter Commandery. The Alba House in Jemgum dates from 1576, and the former weigh house from 1589. The mill in Jemgum is a gallery-style Dutch windmill dating from 1756. The Sielhus in Jemgum was formerly the sluice keeper’s residence. The Jemgum Local History and Culture Association regularly holds events there; check specific dates in advance.

Jemgum: museums, landscapes and regional cuisine

The Jemgum Milk and Dairy Museum explains the connections between milk production, processing and consumption through exhibits and oral and written information. Its themes span the production of a product, its processing and its consumption. Tea and dairy products are served at the mill café at Jemgum Mill. Check whether the café is currently open before visiting.

Other possible interests in Jemgum include cycling through maritime and rural landscapes and trying regional cuisine. A circular route of around 300 kilometres through Germany and the Netherlands passes along waterways, through small settlements, fishing villages, harbour towns and cultural sites, continuing as far as Borkum. Check the details if you would like to use this information to plan a current trip. Jemgum’s harbour is now a marina; this does not indicate whether berths or visitor facilities are available.

When choosing where to stay, it helps to distinguish between the different focuses: in Critzum, the church, with its Romanesque traces and later Baroque pulpit, is the main attraction. The broader themes of local history, museums and landscapes relate to the wider destination of Jemgum.

Discover more destinations: Ditzum, Hatzum, Pogum.

View the overview of the wider destination: Jemgum.