The Nenndorf peat-fired brickworks brings together a specific thread of regional industrial history: extraction, transport and kiln construction form a connected story. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the Nenndorf brickworks from the trails in Holtriem and the separate cultural and nature themes in the wider Wittmund area.

Nenndorf peat-fired brickworks: clay, transport and ring kiln

The Nenndorf peat-fired brickworks was built in 1896 on Ziegeleistraße in Nenndorf. The Lauenburg clay used for the bricks is extracted on site; a small-gauge railway transports it to the clay-mixing shed. According to the official account from the Holtriem collective municipality, the production process is preserved using traditional methods. Together, these elements form a clear sequence of raw-material extraction, transport and processing—a tangible way to explore industrial history that goes beyond the building’s construction date.

The Hoffmann ring kiln was installed in 1903 and is considered Germany’s oldest peat-fired ring kiln. The dates refer to different stages: 1896 to the construction of the brickworks, and 1903 to the installation of the kiln. This distinction separates the building’s history from its technical equipment and makes the two historical dates easier to understand.

Holtriem: on foot and by bike

The Holtriem hiking trail is an approximately 48-kilometre circular route through Holtriem. Cycling is considered the best way to explore the Holtriem region; well-maintained cycle paths pass medieval churches and restored mills. The Dutch windmill is the emblem of the Holtriem collective municipality. These offer distinct regional perspectives: the hiking trail is described by its circular route and approximate length, while the cycle paths are notable for the churches and restored mills along the way.

Cultural and nature themes in Wittmund

In the wider Wittmund travel destination, the Robert von Zeppelin and Aviation Museum offers a distinct focus. It opened in June 2015 in Wittmund’s pedestrian zone and presents regional history closely connected with aviation. It displays aviation artefacts alongside artworks by local artists and other exhibits. The museum also aims to introduce young people in particular to the historic Wittmundhafen airfield. This approach to regional history differs from Nenndorf’s focus on the craft of working with clay and bricks.

One of Wittmund’s nature attractions is the Wittmund Forest, covering more than 700 hectares and featuring several hiking trails and paths for woodland walks and cycle rides. The forest contains a circular woodland bog described as a glacial Pingo ruin; there is also an observation platform with a bench. Wittmund thus offers both routes through a large woodland area and a distinctive geological site.

Choose accommodation to suit your focus

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to explore the history of brickmaking in Nenndorf, include trails in Holtriem, or also visit Wittmund’s distinct cultural and nature attractions?

Discover more destinations: Holtgast, Harlesiel, Eversmeer, Friedeburg, Dunum, Carolinensiel, Werdum, Esens

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Wittmund.