In Berumerfehn, the moor, waterways and historic buildings tell the story of the settlement and use of the landscape. The Forest and Moor Museum is housed in a former village school building on the edge of the raised bog, right beside the forest. Its topics range from the formation of the moor and peat extraction to the settlement of Berumerfehn, as well as environmental and nature conservation.
Moor and Fehn Culture at the Museum
The topics covered by the Forest and Moor Museum offer different perspectives on Berumerfehn: the moor is both a landscape and part of local history, while peat extraction and settlement provide context for human use of the area. Environmental and nature conservation add to these historical perspectives. Visitors particularly interested in the connections between the natural environment and history will find a fitting focus here.
Guided tours for school classes and groups are available by arrangement. Please arrange your preferred date in advance. The museum's location where the raised bog meets the forest also brings the local landscape connections to life, without separating nature from local history.
Waterways and Technical History
The Berumerfehn Canal was dug starting in 1794 so that peat could be transported by water to Norden. The technical history also includes the difference in elevation between the moor and Norder Galgentief: the water level in the Berumerfehn Moor was ten metres higher than the water level of Norder Galgentief. As a result, peat shipping required lock chambers known as Verlaate. This combination of landscape and water engineering shows the kinds of structures required to transport peat.
Excursion trips aboard the historic peat boat “Selika” are available on the Mittelwieke. A trip on the water offers a different focus from exploring canal construction and locks: here, the historic boat takes centre stage as part of the local Fehn culture.
The Mill, Company House and Other Historical Landmarks
The Red Mill in Berumerfehn is a two-storey gallery windmill with a ridge height of 20.50 metres. It was rebuilt in 1937 using parts from a mill in Carolinensiel and is still used to grind grain for livestock feed. Its construction history and present-day purpose belong to different chapters: the parts from Carolinensiel point to its reconstruction, while the grinding describes its continued use.
The Company House also brings together architectural and social history. The present-day house was built in 1830 as a place for members of the Norder Fehn Society to rest after their half-day journey from Norden to Norderfehn. It is a listed building. More than 100 years ago, the ice cellar was used to keep the Company House's drinks and food cool. The village church, also known as Berumerfehn Church, was completed in 1895.
On Foot or by Bike
Visitors who want to explore the Berumerfehn forest on foot can enjoy a walk there. In the forest, beside a small lake, stands the Norder Fehn Society monument, which commemorates the founders of Norder Vehn. It connects the natural environment with the society's history, which also features in the story of the Company House.
As a cycling option, the 32-kilometre “Ewiges Meer Route” circles the former extent of this raised bog region. The Berumerfehn Pfahlgott stands along the circular route and marks ten information boards with facts about the moor and its history. You can choose between a walk in the forest and a themed cycling tour; the route and its information boards place particular emphasis on the moorland landscape.
Discover more destinations: Arle.
Return to the main travel overview: Großheide.
