Discover Hagermarsch: bathing beach, sluice history and horseback riding

Hagermarsch combines the history of sluices and dikes with a bathing beach and horseback riding. In Hilgenriedersiel, traces of the historic coast meet the continued use of the old bathing beach; at Elisenhof, the focus is on horses, trail rides and riding lessons. This contrast brings the character of the trip into focus: you can explore coastal history and swimming, or make equestrian experiences the main focus.

Sluice and dike history in Hilgenriedersiel

A sluice in Hilgenriedersiel is documented as early as 1576. The old dike, which later became a sleep dike, dates from the same year. Historically, Hilgenriedersiel was important for crossings and traffic to the North Sea island of Norderney. The sluice settlement also changed over time: the sluice was closed in 1925. These dates mark different stages in the local history—from the early history of the sluice and dike to the end of the sluice’s use.

The landscape also bears traces of change. Land reclamation caused the former Hagermarsch Bay to shift inland. The area’s history therefore includes not only the sluice and dike, but also the transformation of the former bay. Anyone interested in the region’s coastal past will find several distinct topics here, each part of the history of this landscape.

The Störtebekerland cultural route offers a point of reference for getting around: it crosses the K 213 and reaches Hagermarsch via the Alten Postweg. You can take the route into account as a separate starting point when planning your trip.

Bathing beach and time on the coast

The old bathing beach in Hilgenriedersiel can still be used for swimming or as a beach, and is free of charge. Hilgenriedersiel is considered the only natural bathing beach on the East Frisian coast. The beach is suitable for groups, school classes, families, individual visitors, seniors and children. Swimming is therefore a holiday activity in its own right; the history of the sluice and dike offers a separate historical perspective on Hilgenriedersiel.

For families looking to balance different interests, this distinction is useful when planning a trip: swimming and the beach are a different holiday option from a trail ride or riding lesson. When looking for accommodation during your stay in Hagermarsch, consider which activity matters most to you. This way, you can tailor your search to the kind of stay you want without treating the different offerings as the same experience.

Trail rides and equestrian activities at Elisenhof

Gut Elisenhof is set amid grassland and serves as a starting point for trail rides in the surrounding region. Riding horses and ponies are available to beginners and experienced riders alike. The Elisenhof riding, sports and holiday centre also offers riding lessons and guided trail rides on Friesian horses. For horse lovers, the options range from lessons to guided rides, with activities described for different experience levels.

If you are weighing up time at the beach against riding, these are two clearly distinct ways to spend your holiday: in Hilgenriedersiel, the focus is on the bathing beach and the history of the sluice; at Elisenhof, it is on horses and riding. This distinction can help you decide which experiences matter most for your trip before looking for accommodation in Hagermarsch.

Another theme within the wider destination of Aurich

Within the wider destination of Aurich, the Fehntjer Tief nature conservation station offers a distinct focus on nature and culture. It is an extracurricular learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for meeting and public outreach. It also works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of Fehntjer Tief.

In spring and summer, students and visitors can discover the plants and birdlife of the wet meadows at Fehntjer Tief on cycling or walking tours. This seasonal experience combines nature observation with exercise in the landscape. The listed Gulfhaus at the nature conservation station is also part of the area’s cultural history: it is a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843.

Discover more destinations: Lütetsburg, Ihlow, Berumbur, Großefehn, Dornum, Aurich, Leezdorf and Hage.

Back to the wider travel overview: Aurich.