Discover Großheide: Moor, Cycling and Fehn Culture

Großheide combines the open expanse of the East Frisian countryside with traces of its moorland and Fehn culture. Raised-bog settlements, long canals and meadows shape the landscape; cycle paths, a museum and historic buildings add further character to a stay. When choosing accommodation, you might consider whether you would prefer to focus on nature, cycling or insights into local history and culture.

Moorland and nature conservation

The landscape around Großheide includes raised-bog settlements, long canals and meadows, as well as the wide-open spaces typical of East Frisia. The Ewiges Meer, Großes Moor bei Aurich nature reserve also extends into Großheide. The Ewiges Meer raised bog lies south of the village; to the north, Großheide borders the Wadden Sea nature reserve. Moorland and the location between two distinct natural areas are therefore defining features of the surrounding area. Before visiting, check the local access rules for the nature reserve.

Cycling in the raised-bog region

The Ewiges Meer Route passes through Großheide and is a 32-kilometre circular cycling tour through the raised-bog region. Großheide also has a well-developed network of cycle paths suitable for cycling tourists. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish between the two: the route is a specific circular tour with a stated length, while the cycle-path network offers a wider range of options for getting around. If cycling is an important part of your stay, you can take both into account when choosing accommodation in Großheide.

Museum, knowledge of the moors and Fehn history

In Berumerfehn, the Forest and Moor Museum is housed in a former village school building. It is located at the edge of the raised bog, next to Berumerfehner Forest. The museum explores the raised-bog landscape, its animal and plant life, and its cultivation. Guided tours and educational activities for school classes and groups are available by prior arrangement. A museum visit thus offers a different way to experience the landscape than a cycling tour: the focus here is on the natural environment and its history.

The waterways also tell the story of how the moor was used. The Berumerfehner Canal was dug from 1794 onward to transport peat north by water. The historic peat boat Selika offers trips on the Mittelwieke; check operating days and departure times locally. Pedal boats can also be rented at the Selika landing stage. Historic boat trips and a trip out on the water under your own steam are therefore two different options.

Buildings with a history of their own

The Schoof Mill in Berumerfehn is a 20.5-metre-high gallery-hollander windmill. It was moved from Carolinensiel to Berumerfehn. The listed Kompaniehaus was built in 1830 as a place of recreation for members of the Norder Fehn Society and is connected to a hotel and restaurant. The mill and the Kompaniehaus offer tangible historical points of reference for Fehn culture: one building represents a relocated windmill, while the other reflects its original function as a place of recreation for members of the society.

Another look at the Aurich destination

In the wider Aurich destination, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of Fehntjer Tief. It is an out-of-school learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. In spring and summer, school pupils and visitors can experience the plants and birdlife of the wet meadows at Fehntjer Tief on walks or bicycle rides. The listed Gulfhaus at the station is a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843.

If you plan to take a trip on the Selika, check operating days and departure times locally.

Discover more places and destinations

Discover more places: Arle, Berumerfehn.

Discover more destinations: Norden, Hagermarsch, Ihlow, Hage, Leezdorf, Lütetsburg.

Back to the main travel overview: Aurich.