A crucifix dating from around 1300 and a spring niche with up to 14 springs mark two very different sides of Leer. One focus leads to the Church of Ss. Cosmas and Damian and to local architectural and art history; the other to the Herrenholz Nature Reserve, the Leerbach stream and historic mills. Also worth noting are the preserved Reeperbahn ropewalk and Haus Alst moated castle. This lets you shape your choice around cultural history or landscape without reducing the area to a single attraction.
Church, Art and Craftsmanship
The Church of Ss. Cosmas and Damian in Leer was built around 1200 on the grounds of the “Leheri” manor, which belonged to Werden Abbey on the Ruhr. The church preserves a crucifix dating from around 1300, considered the oldest surviving artwork in the building. A rare medieval vault painting from around 1400 is also part of the church. Together, the building, crucifix and painting offer a glimpse into architectural and art history from around 1200 to 1400.
Craftsmanship brings a different focus. Leer’s historic Reeperbahn ropewalk has been preserved; for many years, strong ropes were laid there, including ropes for ships. Haus Alst, a moated castle built in 1624, stands in the Alst farming community of Leer. The ropewalk complements the sacred art with the subject of local rope-making, while Haus Alst adds another historical reference point through its construction date.
Spring, Stream and Mills
In the district of Leer, the important natural monument Jannings Spring lies within the Herrenholz Nature Reserve and feeds the Leerbach. Jannings Spring and the nearby Schwarthoffs Spring are also located south of the village of Leer. Jannings Spring is a spring niche measuring 8 to 10 metres, with up to 14 springs around its edge. Its size and the springs along its edge give the landscape a tangible character.
Schmeddings Mill, a wind and water mill, and Wennings Mill, a water mill, are also situated along the Leerbach. The stream is therefore connected with two distinct features: it is fed by Jannings Spring, and the historic mills stand along it. This makes it easy to compare the spring area with the history of the mills beside the stream.
The NaTourismus Route passes the clear source of the Leerbach and continues to the Altenberg ridge. It adds a named route to the individual landscape features. As the exact route may change, check the current route description before setting out.
Cultural Heritage in the Wider Destination of Horstmar
In the wider destination of Horstmar, the old town offers a distinct architectural focus. Its medieval layout is clearly structured: the church and town hall stand in the centre, while former fortified manor houses mark the outer sides of the square plan. Merveldter Hof was built in 1561 as a splendid three-wing complex in the Dutch Renaissance style. Its “Specklagentechnik” (alternating brick-and-stone courses) is a distinctive architectural feature. The castle gate, also called the town gate, is the last of Horstmar’s four town gates to have survived and is considered unique in Westphalia.
St. Gertrude’s Church in Horstmar is a Gothic hall church dating from the second half of the 14th century. Its tower, over 66 metres high, still has visible loopholes that indicate its role as a defensive tower. Other historical reference points include the first documentary mention of Borchorster Hof in 1277 and the site of the former Horstmar Castle. The site is an archaeological monument; sandstone blocks mark the former course of the wall.
For the wider travel overview: Horstmar.
