In Hesel, settlement history, historic church art and woodland trails come together. These different themes give you several ways to plan your stay: explore archaeological topics and architectural history, or make time for walks and a cycling tour.

Forest Trails and Outdoor Activities

The visitor attractions in Hesel Forest include an adventure playground and a tree trail. The forest is also a great place for long walks and observing local wildlife. It brings together nature watching and walking trails, while the playground and tree trail each offer a distinct focus.

Around Gut Stikelkamp, about 5 km of forest trails invite you to go for a walk. The 41 km Hesel Erlebnis Route is a different proposition: it is designed as a cycling tour and includes, among other things, a river crossing on a “do-it-yourself ferry.” You can choose between walks in the forest and a longer bike ride. Since ferry operations may vary by season, check whether the ferry is running on your planned travel date.

Archaeology, Church and Architectural History

The Archaeological Exhibition at Villa Popken presents the settlement history of the Geest village of Hesel, from the Stone and Bronze Ages through to the Middle Ages. One focus is the history of Barthe Monastery in Hesel Forest. The timeline therefore spans early periods of settlement and a specific chapter in the history of the monastery.

The Ludgeri Church also tells the story of several building phases. The medieval church had to be demolished because it had fallen into disrepair; a new church building was erected in 1742. The pulpit and altar were made earlier: Tönnies Mahler from Leer created them in 1653. The pulpit has corner columns and reliefs of the Evangelists, while the altar features a painting of the Last Supper. Mahler was a carpenter, woodcarver and panel painter. The dates therefore mark different periods: 1653 for the creation of the furnishings, and 1742 for the new building.

A different form of public art is Sven Thater’s “Steinbeil” (Stone Axe) sculpture on a hitching post. It is made of oak and sandstone and stands 2.40 metres tall. Its materials and dimensions make it a clearly defined counterpoint to the historical themes of the exhibition and church.

Gut Stikelkamp was once an outlying estate of the former Johanniter Monastery of Hasselt. The surviving residential building is thought to date from around 1400; it showcases the lifestyle of prosperous farming families in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Its architectural history and the way of life it portrays point to different periods. This makes Gut Stikelkamp another way to explore Hesel’s history, alongside the exhibition and church.

A Swimming Pool as a Separate Activity

Hesel Swimming Pool has a 16.66 × 8.00-metre pool with a movable floor. Following renovations in 2013/2014 and 2023/2024, it is once again open to the public. Alongside the cultural and nature attractions, it adds another distinct option for your stay.

Planning Your Stay in Hesel

These destinations offer different ways to plan your day, without requiring you to fit everything into one itinerary. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hesel, choose one to suit your travel needs and the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kleinhesel, Siebestock, Neuemoor, Beningafehn, Leer, Westoverledingen, Filsum, Weener

Back to the main travel overview: Leer.