Over the past decades, Ostersander and Weene have almost grown together into a single settlement along Schirumer Straße. Historically, Weene was the church location for Ostersander and the surrounding settlements. Weene Church is right beside the Krummes Tief. This brings settlement history, church architecture and a watercourse together in one specific place.

Weene Church: a history in several stages

The construction date of the first stone church in Weene is currently estimated to be in the second half of the 13th century. This date refers to the first stone church building in Weene. Weene Church was consecrated in 1499 by an abbot and a monk from Ihlow Monastery; stones from the demolished Ihlow Monastery were used to build it. The early construction date remains an estimate, while the consecration is dated to 1499.

Hedgerows and route connections

There are still many tree-and-shrub hedgerows around Ostersander and neighbouring Westersander. This landscape feature extends beyond the church location: the hedgerows are found in two neighbouring places, while the church and the Krummes Tief come together in Weene. Thus, alongside the history of the church building, the local landscape and its hedgerows are topics in their own right.

Ihlow Route 1 passes Weene Church, which is located in Ostersander. If you plan to take this route, check the current route before setting off, as route details may change. To reach Ihlow from the A28, take the Filsum exit and then travel via Hesel (B72), Ostersander, Westersander and Ludwigsdorf. At the Holtrop-Ostersander intersection on the B72, tourist signs point to the forest car park at Ihlower Forst. Signs and parking conditions may change; check the information before travelling.

Ihlow: more cultural and historical highlights

The monastery site offers another cultural highlight in the wider destination of Ihlow. It is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Check the operating details before your visit. The site features a partial reconstruction of the former Cistercian abbey “Schola DeI”. The underground “Room of Discovery” houses archaeological excavation finds in an exhibition space that also serves as a place for spirituality. The “Schola Dei” pilgrimage route starts at the monastery site and leads to St Ludger’s Church in Norden. The total route is 40 km long and has 16 stops.

The Grootsche Huus in Ihlowerfehn is also part of this regional context: the original Fehn house dates from the 18th century. In its historic rooms, visitors can learn about traditional East Frisian crafts and see the preserved traditional furnishings of the brick building. The Riepe Sludge Museum adds another perspective by exploring the history of a landscape project: it explains how the water and soil association Emden-Riepe’s sludge-covering project changed the landscape of Riepe and Riepsterhammrich from 1954 to 1994. Museum visits are possible by prior arrangement.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ostersander, you can choose the focus of your trip: the local church and landscape history, or additional cultural and pilgrimage destinations in the wider destination of Ihlow.

Discover more destinations: Neu Barstede.

Go to the overview of destinations: Ihlow.