Apen between freshwater tidal flats and cultural heritage

Apen lies on the border between the parkland of the Ammerland and East Frisia’s fen district. Winding waterways, straight canals and green dykes give the landscape varied lines and viewpoints. The freshwater tidal flats on the Aper Tief are particularly striking: they are considered the only freshwater tidal flats in northwestern Germany. The Aper Tief is connected to the North Sea via the Jümme, Leda and Ems rivers, which is why tides can be felt in Apen. The waterscape and the tides provide a common thread for finding your way around the area.

Waterscapes and routes

The freshwater tidal flats were created in 2005, when the southern dyke was relocated to create a retention area for potential flooding. Two retention areas on the Aper Tief form a nature reserve. A walk along the dyke leads through the freshwater tidal flats; hiking trails lead to the Tange Landscape Window, alongside a marked walking trail and quiet cycling routes. This lets you explore the landscape on foot or by bike.

A specific route for cycling tours is the historic discovery tour through Apen: it is 48 kilometres long, and information boards tell stories at twelve historic sites. Check the signposting before setting off. The area around Apen is considered suitable for canoeing, fishing, hiking and cycling. In Augustfehn, the paddle-and-pedal station lets you swap your canoe for a bicycle for the return journey. The station’s operating arrangements may change; check the details before planning your trip.

Churches, history and theatre

St. Nikolai Church dates back to the 13th century. A freestanding bell tower from the 15th century stands in front of it; inside is the pulpit created around 1625 by sculptor Ludwig Münstermann. The church, tower and pulpit thus represent different periods. Another early landmark is the Vreschen-Bokel Chapel, built on a terp in 1456. For a long time, it was one of only two places of worship in Apen, alongside St. Nikolai.

The Männeken Theatre is also part of the town’s cultural history: it has been a permanent venue in the municipality of Apen since 1993. Its programme may change, so if you would like to plan a theatre visit in addition to exploring the landscape and historic buildings, check the current programme.

Apen’s smoking tradition

The Ham Museum celebrates the tradition of the Ammerland’s oldest ham smokehouse, which is located in Apen. According to longstanding tradition, its owner is the ninth generation to continue this smoking tradition. Tours, available on request, introduce visitors to the rooms and techniques involved in curing, the smokehouse and the tradition. This gives local history a culinary dimension in addition to its churches and theatre.

The wider Ammerland destination

The wider Ammerland destination also offers its own lake and garden attractions. Sailing, surfing and swimming are possible on the Zwischenahner Meer; you can cycle or hike along its eleven-kilometre shore. The Garden of Gardens covers 14 hectares and occupies the site of Lower Saxony’s first State Garden Show, held in 2002. More than 90 distinct areas include themed gardens, plant collections and educational trails; over 40 different show gardens add to what’s on offer.

The wider Ammerland also includes the Hengstforde Mill, a gallery-style Dutch windmill right by the Aper Tief in the farming village of Hengstforde. A wooden mill stood on this site from 1742 until it was replaced by a stone building in the late 19th century. Visits are free; guided tours are available by prior arrangement. Confirm the arrangements before your visit. Guided dyke walks in the Aper Tief area also explain the origins, purpose and particular features of nature conservation and flood protection. Participants choose a route of around three to six kilometres; check dates and make arrangements in advance.

In the protected area of the wider Ammerland, regular flooding of individual areas of land caused by the ebb and flow of the tides creates a distinctive flora and fauna. This adds a perspective on the ecological relationships behind the tidal landscape.

Choose accommodation based on your travel interests

When looking for accommodation in Apen, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: should your stay centre on waterscapes and routes, historic sites and architecture, or theatre and culinary traditions? If you include the wider Ammerland in your travel plans, you can also explore its distinct lake and garden attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Augustfehn, Godensholt, Edewecht, Wiefelstede, Rastede, Bad Zwischenahn, Westerstede.

Back to the main travel overview: Ammerland.