The 28-hectare “Elmendorfer Holz” FFH area lies north of the Zwischenahner Meer in the Oldenburg Geest. As a local recreation area, Elmendorfer Holz is also highly significant in connection with tourism at the Zwischenahner Meer.

Nature and trails

Herrenholz Dreibergen is home to oak and beech trees up to 180 years old. The western part of Herrenholz, on both sides of the old church path, has been left to develop naturally since 2018. The nature-related features differ: Elmendorfer Holz is notable for its FFH status and importance as a local recreation area in connection with tourism at the Zwischenahner Meer; Herrenholz is notable for its old trees and the natural development of its western section.

For hiking, there is the Zwischenahner Meerweg, a 12.18 km circular trail. Another way to discover the north shore of the Zwischenahner Meer is to join a guided tour in Dreibergen. Tours are available year-round on request; it is best to check whether one is available before your visit. The bathing area in Dreibergen offers a spacious sunbathing lawn and a small sandy beach for relaxing or taking a refreshing dip. These are three distinct options: a designated hiking route, a guided tour focused on the north shore, and a visit to the bathing area.

Traces of history

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Gut Blexhaus was a postal station with hereditary inn rights. In Bad Zwischenahn, a castle belonging to the Counts of Elmendorf stood on the site of Elmendorfer Burg in the mid-12th century. Information boards explain its history, and admission is free. These examples span different periods, from the castle complex of the mid-12th century to the postal station of the 17th and 18th centuries.

More to discover in the wider Bad Zwischenahn destination

In the wider Bad Zwischenahn destination, St. John’s Church and the Ammerländer Bauernhaus offer further points of interest for culture enthusiasts. The church was founded in 1124 by Count Egilmar, the first hereditary count of Oldenburg, as a daughter church of Wiefelstede. Its interior includes, among other things, a medieval wall cabinet and a 15th-century baptismal font. The Ammerländer Bauernhaus is one of the oldest open-air museums of its kind in Germany. Located in the heart of the spa gardens, it comprises 17 houses and outbuildings that are harmoniously integrated into the landscape. There, you can experience what life was like 300 years ago.

The windmill in the open-air museum is also part of this regional history. It dates from 1811 and was first built in neighbouring Westerstede. The two-storey gallery Dutch windmill has a working grinding mechanism for crushing grain and a kollergang for producing oil. These give the mill two different functions: crushing grain and producing oil.

Boat trip on the Zwischenahner Meer

In the wider Bad Zwischenahn destination, the Weisse Flotte operates daily boat trips from April to October. A round trip from the Bad Zwischenahn pier back to the same pier takes about 70 minutes. Passengers can break their journey in Dreibergen or Rostrup and board again later. This lets you combine the boat trip with a stop at one of the intermediate destinations. As schedules and details may change, check them before travelling.

Back to the wider travel overview: Bad Zwischenahn.