If you’re looking for accommodation in Großheide, your travel interests can guide your choice: are cycling, raised bogs or Fehn culture your main focus? The landscape around Großheide is characterized by raised-bog settlements, long canals, meadows and the open expanses typical of East Frisia.
Moorland and finding your way around
The Ewiges Meer, Großes Moor bei Aurich Nature Reserve also extends into Großheide. The Ewiges Meer raised bog lies south of the town; to the north, Großheide borders the Wadden Sea Nature Reserve. The raised bog and the Wadden Sea thus provide two different directions for finding your way around the landscape. Before visiting the Ewiges Meer, Großes Moor bei Aurich Nature Reserve, check the local access rules.
Cycling around Großheide
Großheide has a well-developed network of cycling routes suitable for cycle tourists. One specific route is the 32-kilometre Ewiges Meer Route: this circular cycling tour runs through the raised-bog region and passes through Großheide. This gives you different reference points: a named circular route of a set length and a cycling network as a broader framework for planning your trip. The information helps you choose between a single loop and a stay with a general focus on cycling.
Museum, canal and Fehn culture
The Forest and Moor Museum is housed in a former village school building on the edge of the raised bog, next to Berumerfehner Wald. It explains the raised-bog landscape, its animal and plant life, and how it was reclaimed. The museum offers guided tours and educational programmes for school classes and groups by prior arrangement. If you plan to take part in one of these activities, arrange your visit in advance.
The history of peat transport is another notable topic: the Berumerfehner Canal was dug in 1794 to transport peat north by water. In Berumerfehn stands the Schoof Mill, a 20.5-metre-high Dutch windmill with a gallery, which was relocated from Carolinensiel to Berumerfehn. Its height, design and relocation make it a specific landmark through which to explore another part of regional history.
The Kompaniehaus was built in 1830 as a retreat for members of the Norder Fehn Society. The listed building is connected to a hotel-restaurant. A stay in Großheide therefore brings together different historical themes: moorland and nature at the museum, peat transport along the canal, and architectural history at the mill and Kompaniehaus.
Experiences on the water
Pedal boats can be rented next to the Selika landing stage. The historic peat ship Selika offers trips on the Mittelwieke. Check local dates and departure times for these trips before adding them to your travel plans. If the departure times fit your plans, this is a different kind of experience to add to a stay focused mainly on cycling or the raised-bog landscape.
A nature experience within the wider Aurich destination
Within the wider Aurich destination, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station is committed to preserving the “Fehntjer Tief” natural and cultural landscape. It is an out-of-school environmental education centre, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. In spring and summer, students and visitors can explore the plant and bird life in the Fehntjer Tief’s wet meadows on foot or by bicycle. The listed Gulfhaus at the station is a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843.
Discover more destinations
Arle, Berumerfehn, Wirdum, Halbemond, Rechtsupweg, Wiesmoor, Hagermarsch, Upgant-Schott
For the wider travel overview: Aurich.
