The Friedenskirche was built directly on the Augustfehn Canal. Its free-standing bell tower is 20 metres high. The church was consecrated in November 1957; three new bronze bells were installed in 2017. The consecration and the bells provide two specific points in time in the history of the building.
You can also explore the history of the town independently: Augustfehn offers a route with historical information panels, QR codes, downloadable texts and audio contributions. You can explore the stops on foot or by bicycle. This gives you a choice of ways to engage with the material—from reading on site to listening to an audio contribution. If you prefer a guided visit, the “Journey Through Time in Augustfehn” is another option.
Industrial History and Historic Buildings
Listed buildings include the Augustfehn ironworks tower and the boiler house on the ironworks site. The narrow-gauge railway is also a monument to Augustfehn’s industrial history. It was used by the steelworks to transport raw materials and finished products to Augustfehn railway station. Its purpose brings a section of the goods route at the time to life: from materials for the steelworks to finished products and their transport to the station.
The Augustfehn ironworks is privately owned and used for dining and cultural events. As operational details may change, check what is currently on offer before visiting. Another chapter in the town’s history recalls the namesake of Augustfehn: a monument commemorates Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August of Oldenburg (1783–1853).
Another local distinction is the Alte StaaĂźenbrĂĽcke: it is the only surviving drawbridge in the municipality of Apen.
Explore the Town’s History with a Guide or on Your Own
The guided tour “Journey Through Time in Augustfehn” lasts about 2.5 hours and is available on request. It can be done on foot or by bicycle; a bus transfer to the steelworks may also be possible. When planning, you can allow for this approximate duration as a separate time slot. By contrast, the information panels and media in the self-guided town history experience offer a way to explore without requesting a guided tour.
This gives you two different ways to explore: you can visit the historical stops independently on foot or by bicycle, or arrange the guided tour on request. Which option best fits your stay depends mainly on whether you would like to explore on your own or include a guided appointment in your plans.
Canoe Tours and Nature on the Water
The tide-dependent canoe tour from Augustfehn to BarĂźel is 9 kilometres long. It starts at the paddle-and-pedal station on the Augustfehn Canal. Since the tour depends on the tide, its timing is part of the planning. The destination and route length are clearly specified; consult the tides to choose the right time.
Another paddling route leads to the Aper Tief: paddling a short way upstream from Augustfehn takes you to a freshwater tidal mudflat area with rare flora and fauna. On the trip to BarĂźel, the focus is on the 9-kilometre distance and tide dependency; at the Aper Tief, it is the special natural area that defines the section described. These different highlights complement one another without needing to be combined into a single tour.
Discover more destinations: Godensholt
Return to the main travel overview: Apen.
