The medieval St. Peter’s Church gives Westeraccum a distinctive historic landmark. The vaulted brick church probably dates from 1270 to 1280 and stands on a high mound built by human hands. A model ship hangs from the ceiling, alongside numerous elaborately designed gravestones of sea captains. Some depict ships that the deceased captains sailed themselves. In the past, the church also served as a landmark for seafarers. This is where the church interior and maritime history intertwine.
Cycling: Routes and season
On Cycling Tour 6, “Norden – Dornum and Back,” the route continues after crossing the Dornumer Tief from the park along the Accumer Riege to Westeraccum. It then follows Butenhuser Straße towards Westeraccumersiel. Road conditions and signage may change, so check the current route before setting off.
The Rapeseed Route into Spring follows a different course: a 43.8-kilometre circular cycling route starting and ending in Neßmersiel. Its attractions include the apple orchard and the captains’ graves in Westeraccum. The easy route crosses flat terrain and is suitable for beginners and recreational cyclists. Spring is considered the best season, especially April and May during the blossom period. The route therefore combines a specific distance with a seasonal recommendation. Conditions and practical access may vary; use the blossom period as a guide and check conditions in advance.
Fruit growing and produce
Poppinga’s Orchard in Westeraccum sells freshly harvested fruit as well as jams, apple chips and apple juice made on site. Its agricultural background includes an orchard of around 17 hectares, where mainly apples, as well as pears, plums and cherries, are grown. If you plan to shop there, check the current selection in advance, as the range may change.
Culture in the wider destination of Dornum
In the wider destination of Dornum, the synagogue has been a memorial since 1992. The building, which is still preserved today, was erected in 1841 and is the only surviving synagogue in East Frisia. It houses a permanent exhibition on Jewish life. The “Synagoge Dornum” association is responsible for the memorial and its exhibitions.
Dornum’s Bockwindmühle windmill is also among the destination’s historic landmarks: it is the last post mill in East Frisia and has been a local landmark since 1626. The Baroque moated castle of Dornum developed from the Norderburg, which stood there in the 14th century and was associated with the chieftain Hicko Kankena. In the restored Knights’ Hall, a gallery runs around the room beneath a ceiling decorated with figurative and ornamental paintings. Historic oil paintings on the walls tell the story of the von Closter family and their relatives.
Discover more destinations: Middelsbur, Dornumersiel, Neßmersiel, Roggenstede, Dornumergrode, Nesse.
Back to the overview of destinations: Dornum.
