Wittmund combines distinctive architectural and local history with forest trails, cycling routes and hands-on activities. The different experiences—from Peldemühle to the aviation museum and trails in Wittmund Forest—let you choose which side of the town to focus on during your stay.
The Mill, Museum and Town History
Peldemühle was built in 1741 for hulling barley; the complex included a residential building and a barn. It is the oldest single-storey gallery windmill in northwestern Germany. At the historic bakehouse, visitors can see how grain is turned into flour and then bread. The mill thus brings together architectural history and the processing of grain.
Wittmund’s pedestrian zone is home to the “Hands of Fame” promenade, a visitor attraction featuring the “Federal Presidents’ Square,” unique in Germany, which was inaugurated in 2010. The Robert von Zeppelin and Aviation Museum, which opened in June 2015, is also located in the pedestrian zone. It presents Wittmund’s regional history, which is closely tied to aviation, and introduces young people in particular to the historic “Wittmundhafen” airfield. On display are aviation memorabilia, artworks by local artists and other exhibits.
The Evangelical Lutheran St. Nicolai Church has a sandstone portal and was consecrated as a hall church in 1776. Within the well-preserved ramparts in the Schlosspark lies the site of Wittmund Castle, built in 1461. Small winding paths, ponds and benches define the park. In summer, it is used for music events, among other things; the programme may vary.
Hands-on Activities and Town Life
People of all ages have been able to take the Original East Frisian Abitur in Wittmund since 1978. Participants must complete a total of nine exam subjects in one day. These include long-distance Boßeln, Padstock jumping, cow milking and tea drinking. If you would rather get to know the town on a walk, there are two other options: the Hands of Fame e. V. association offers guided walks through Wittmund’s Pudding district; Jan Schüpp’s digital city tour features six information stations about town life, past and present. If needed, check in advance whether the digital tour is currently available.
Cultural events and market visits also add their own distinctive touches. Kulturring Wittmund concerts are usually held in the historic hall of the district administrative building; individual event dates vary. The weekly market at Wittmund’s market square offers fresh regional and non-regional products.
Forest Trails and Cycling Tours
Wittmund Forest covers more than 700 hectares and has several hiking trails as well as paths for woodland walks and cycling tours. The forest is home to a circular forest bog, regarded as a glacial Pingo remnant. A viewing platform with a bench offers a place to linger. Another related destination is the Wittmund Forest Nature Conservation Centre, an independent educational institution focusing on nature and environmental topics.
For cycling, there are two different route options. The Jan-Schüpp Fahrradpad partly follows the Harle, the old shipping route between Carolinensiel and Wittmund. It can be started or ended at any point; check the route conditions before setting out. The fourth stage of the Tour de Fries also passes through Wittmund and is signposted throughout with a blue, yellow and green logo. The information about the two routes describes separate options and should not be taken as a single continuous route.
More Experiences to Help You Plan
Isums leisure and adventure pool offers swimming and large water slides. It is also possible to take a pedal boat out on the Harle in connection with a visit to the pool. As opening and operating conditions may vary seasonally, check before visiting. Wittmund therefore offers a choice of different experiences: town history and culture, trails through the forest or an active outing on the water.
Discover more destinations: Carolinensiel, Westerholt, Harlesiel, Utarp, Neuharlingersiel, Werdum, Esens, Wittmund, Nenndorf, Dunum, Ochtersum, Friedeburg, Holtgast, Eversmeer, Blomberg, Neuschoo, Holtriem.
For the higher-level travel overview: Lower Saxony.
