St. John’s Church, the local history museum and a trail marker at the Bronze Age burial mound give Wiefelstede distinct points of interest: sacred history, regional everyday life and archaeological traces.

Church and Local History Museum in Wiefelstede

St. John’s Church in Wiefelstede was consecrated in 1057 by Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen and is considered the oldest church in the Ammerland. It is designated as an open church, with daily visiting hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; check before travelling whether it will be open during your visit. In the centre of Wiefelstede, the local history museum presents changing exhibitions on cultural history, everyday life and regional artistic work. Its garden has become an open-air museum with a permanent exhibition about trade and crafts using technology from the 1920s and 1930s. The permanent exhibition includes a cobbler’s workshop, a barber shop, a wheelwright’s workshop, an old forge, a bakery and a general store. In this way, changing museum exhibitions are complemented by a permanent presentation of various trades.

The Trail Marker at the Wemkendorf Burial Mound

Another link between history and design can be found at the Wemkendorf burial mound. Designed by Barbara Jaros, the trail marker marks a chain of Bronze Age burial mounds. It is a two-metre-high concrete stele with an ornamental pin cast in bronze, and is part of the “Forgotten Places” project on the Ammerland Art Trail. The Bronze Age chain of burial mounds and the stele belong to different periods; they are brought together by the artistically designed trail marker.

More Destinations in Bokel

The Post Museum is located in Bokel, within the municipality. Its collections include photographs, uniforms and other unusual exhibits. Visits are possible by request; appointments are arranged by telephone. So contact the operator before your visit. Also in Bokel, Bokeler Burg is a destination for cyclists and hikers.

In the Wider Ammerland: Landscape and Garden Culture

Apen is home to the only freshwater tidal flat in the northwest. It was created in 2005 when a dike was moved back to provide a retention area for possible flooding from the Aper Tief. In this designated nature reserve, some areas are regularly flooded by the ebb and flow of the tides, creating a distinctive flora and fauna. This example from the wider Ammerland travel destination offers a different focus from Wiefelstede’s cultural sites.

In Hengstforde in the Ammerland, the gallery-style Dutch windmill at Hengstforder Mühle stands right beside the Aper Tief. The mill can be visited free of charge; guided tours are available by prior arrangement. Check visiting and booking options before your visit. The 165-kilometre Ammerland Route is a circular trail through the Ammerland’s parkland and unique fen landscapes. There are eleven shelters along the route where you can take a break.

Another regional highlight is the Park of Gardens. It covers 14 hectares and is located on the site of the first Lower Saxony State Garden Show, held in 2002. The park has more than 90 distinct areas, including themed gardens, plant collections and educational trails. It also includes more than 40 different model gardens. Thus, alongside landscapes and windmills, gardens are another option to explore in the wider Ammerland.

Discover more destinations: Mollberg, Metjendorf, Dingsfelde, Gristede, Hollen, Nuttel, Spohle, Neuenkruge

Back to the wider travel guide: Ammerland.