The Eternal Sea brings together Eversmeer’s connection to nature: the raised-bog lake lies within a 400-hectare peatland landscape. There is a boardwalk around the nature reserve; a nature trail and the Eternal Sea Route offer further distinct highlights. Archaeological finds and the history of the peatland settlement complete the picture. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most: the peatland landscape, local history or a longer cycling tour.
Raised Bog and the Eternal Sea
The Eternal Sea is considered Germany’s largest raised-bog lake and has a water surface of 89.2 hectares. The surrounding raised-bog landscape covers 400 hectares; the two figures therefore refer to different areas. The smaller peatland lakes Kleines Eversmeer and Dobbe frame the Eternal Sea. The peatland habitat is home to rare and protected species adapted to low-nutrient conditions. Those interested in landscape and nature will find a clear focus here, without needing to take a cycling tour through the wider region.
Boardwalk and Peatland Information
The boardwalk around the nature reserve can be reached from the car park in just a few minutes. As its condition may change, it is best to check before setting out. The Eternal Sea nature trail features twelve information panels, as well as interactive question-and-answer elements and flaps and turning elements. This combines the walk with information about the peatland. These are separate from the ten information-panel locations along the Eternal Sea Route: there, a reconstructed prehistoric wooden idol marks the spots where visitors can learn about the peatland and its history.
The car park at the Eternal Sea in Eversmeer is the meeting point for guided peatland walks. Dates depend on the provider, so take this into account when planning. You can choose between exploring on your own and joining a guided walk, without confusing the two options.
Traces from Different Eras
A prehistoric boardwalk dating to around 2,500 BC was excavated south of the Eternal Sea. By contrast, the Eversmeer peatland settlement was established around 1821, north of the lake. The two dates represent different chapters in local history: a find from prehistoric times and the founding of the settlement. Along the route, the reconstructed wooden idol also highlights the peatland and its history, while the nature trail’s twelve panels focus on nature and peatland information.
Cycling the Eternal Sea Route
If you would like to explore the natural landscape beyond a visit to the lake itself, the Eternal Sea Route offers a different perspective. It is a 32-kilometre circular route around the former extent of the raised-bog area. The route passes through Holtriem/Eversmeer, GroĂźheide/Berumerfehn, SĂĽdbrookmerland/MĂĽnkeboe and Aurich/Tannenhausen. The circular route and the boardwalk differ mainly in scale: the boardwalk goes around the nature reserve, while the cycle route takes in several named places. Choose according to whether you want to focus on a visit to the Eternal Sea or take a broader route.
Wittmund: Distinctive Cultural Highlights
Wittmund offers a different cultural focus from Eversmeer’s peatland landscape. The Peldemühle was built in 1741 for hulling barley and includes a residential building and a barn. It is considered the oldest single-storey gallery Dutch windmill in northwestern Germany. The mill’s historic bakehouse demonstrates how flour is made into bread. Wittmund’s pedestrian zone is also home to the “Hands of Fame” promenade and the unique “Federal President’s Square,” inaugurated in 2010. The Robert von Zeppelin and Aviation Museum focuses on Wittmund’s regional history, closely linked to aviation. It displays aviation memorabilia, works by local artists and other exhibits, and introduces visitors—especially young people—to the historic Wittmundhafen airfield.
Discover more destinations: Ochtersum, Holtgast, Carolinensiel, Dunum, Wittmund, Blomberg, Westerholt, Neuschoo.
Back to the main travel overview: Wittmund.
