Discover Neu Barstede

Neu Barstede is a moorland colony founded in 1822 with a clear historical legacy. In the wider destination of Ihlow, distinct cultural themes also take centre stage: a partially reconstructed Cistercian abbey, East Frisian craftsmanship, medieval woodcarving and the transformation of a landscape. You can therefore shape your stay around different historical questions—from the origins of a settlement to traces left in buildings and the landscape.

The history of Neu Barstede

Before the colonists were assigned to a parish, church rites for them were performed in Barstede. The colony’s founding and its early religious practices thus offer two concrete ways to explore the history of this moorland settlement.

Church architecture and furnishings in Barstede

The church in Barstede offers a distinct perspective on the history of architecture and furnishings. Its freestanding brick bell tower dates from the 13th century; the church was rebuilt on older foundations in 1952. Historic furnishings include a Renaissance triptych, a baptismal font dating from around 1200 and a monumental organ from 1801/02. Together, these details bring different eras of ecclesiastical art and architectural history to life.

Culture in the wider destination of Ihlow

The Ihlow Monastery Site features a partial reconstruction of the former Cistercian abbey “Schola Dei.” Underground, the “Room of Traces” presents archaeological finds from excavations in an exhibition space that also serves as a place of spirituality. The grounds also include a monastery garden, a bakery, a historic forester’s lodge, a café and a shop selling regional products and crafts. The monastery site is freely accessible year-round, and admission is free. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.

Craftsmanship at the Grootsche Huus

The Grootsche Huus in Ihlowerfehn is an original fen house dating from the 18th century. In its historic rooms, visitors can learn about traditional East Frisian crafts and see the preserved traditional furnishings of the brick building. The focus here is on craftsmanship and traditional furnishings.

The church in Bangstede

The church in Bangstede dates from the 13th century. It still houses the partially preserved body of the suffering Jesus on the cross, a carved work that is among the most significant examples of medieval carving in East Frisia. The focus here is on a single work of art and its place in the Middle Ages.

Landscape history at the Riepe Silt Museum

The Riepe Silt Museum focuses on a different kind of change: it explains how the water and soil association Emden-Riepe’s silt-overlay project, carried out from 1954 to 1994, changed the landscape of Riepe and Riepsterhammrich. Visits are by prior appointment.

The “Schola Dei” pilgrimage route

The “Schola Dei” pilgrimage route starts at the Ihlow Monastery Site and leads to St Ludger’s Church in Norden. It is 40 km long in total and includes 16 stations. This means you can choose not only individual cultural sites but also a longer route with a clearly defined distance.

Take cultural interests into account when looking for accommodation

This distinction can help you decide what kind of stay you want. Then compare accommodation based on the location that suits your planned visits.

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