Apen lies on the border between the Ammerland park landscape and the East Frisian fen region. Meandering waterways, straight canals and green dikes shape the landscape. For a trip that brings together nature and culture, there are two distinct focal points: Aper Tief, shaped by water and tides, and historic sites whose history ranges from medieval church construction to more recent cultural offerings.
Water Landscapes and Trails
At Aper Tief, the North Sea’s influence can be felt inland: the waterway is connected to the North Sea via the Jümme, Leda and Ems, so tidal changes are noticeable in Apen. Aper Tief is home to freshwater mudflats, considered the only freshwater mudflats in northwestern Germany. They were formed in 2005, when the southern dike was relocated and a retention area was created to accommodate possible flooding. Two retention areas at Aper Tief contributed to the creation of a nature reserve.
In Ammerland, regular flooding of individual areas of land caused by the ebb and flow of the tide creates a distinctive flora and fauna within the designated nature reserve.
Hiking trails, a marked walking path and quiet cycling routes lead to the Tange Landscape Window. As the trail infrastructure may change, it is advisable to check the current routes before setting out. This gives you a choice of different types of paths for exploring this landscape, without assuming a specific route or walking time.
The historic cycling route through Apen is a 48-kilometre discovery tour. Information boards tell stories at twelve historic sites. This gives the cycling tour a different focus from the paths at the Tange Landscape Window: here, the focus is on historic sites along a longer tour, while there, it is on exploring the landscape. Check the signage and current route before setting off.
Churches, a Mill and Local Culture
St. Nikolai Church in Apen dates back to the 13th century. Its freestanding bell tower is from the 15th century, and the pulpit was created by the sculptor Ludwig MĂĽnstermann around 1625. These different dates point to several phases of construction and artistic work. Vreschen-Bokel Chapel also marks an early historical milestone: it was built on a terp in 1456.
The Hengstforde Mill tells another story of construction. A wooden mill stood on its site from 1742; in the late 19th century, it was replaced by a stone building. The reconstruction of the PlaggenhĂĽtte in Nordloh commemorates Oma Puls, who lived in a similar hut from 1823 to 1916. These two stories offer a different perspective from the churches: they are about mill construction and life in a comparable hut.
The Männeken Theater has been a permanent venue in the municipality of Apen since 1993. As the program may change, check the current performances when planning a visit.
Regional food culture also has a tangible connection to the area: the oldest ham smokehouse in Ammerland is located in Apen. As part of guided tours, the Ham Museum presents rooms and techniques associated with curing, the smokehouse and tradition. Tours are available on request, so please arrange your visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Augustfehn, Godensholt, Bad Zwischenahn, Westerstede, Edewecht, Rastede, Wiefelstede.
Go to the regional travel overview: Ammerland.
