Discover Ostersander

Over the past decades, Ostersander and Weene have almost grown together into one continuous settlement along Schirumer Straße. Around Ostersander and neighbouring Westersander, many shrub-and-tree hedgerows can still be found. Here, you can experience both a long-established village landscape and a distinctive feature of the surrounding countryside.

Weene Church on the Krummes Tief

Weene Church is located in Ostersander, directly beside the Krummes Tief. Historically, Weene was the site of the church serving Ostersander and the surrounding settlements. The church was built using stones from the demolished Ihlow Monastery; in 1499, the abbot and a monk of the monastery consecrated it. The first stone church in Weene is currently estimated to have been built in the second half of the 13th century.

The church’s history shows its connection to Ihlow, while its location on the Krummes Tief has an immediate impact on the village landscape. If you are interested in architectural history, both the estimated date of the first stone church and its consecration in 1499 offer a specific reason to take a closer look.

Routes and directions

Ihlow Route 1 passes Weene Church, which is located in Ostersander. If you plan to take this route, check the current route before setting out, as details may change. To reach Ihlow from the A28 via the Filsum exit, follow the route via Hesel (B72), Ostersander, Westersander and Ludwigsdorf.

From the Holtrop-Ostersander intersection on Federal Highway 72, tourist signposts lead to the forest car park at Ihlower Forst. Signage, road conditions and parking regulations may change; check the current situation before travelling. This lets you plan your visit around the places that matter to you, without assuming that the route described reflects current traffic conditions.

Cultural history in the wider destination of Ihlow

In the wider destination of Ihlow, the Ihlow Monastery Site is a cultural-history attraction. It is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Nevertheless, check practical details before your trip. The site features a partial reconstruction of the former Cistercian abbey “Schola DeI”. In the underground “Room of Traces”, archaeological excavation finds are displayed in an exhibition space that also serves as a place for spirituality.

The Grootsche Huus in Ihlowerfehn also offers insight into regional architectural and everyday history: the original fen house dates from the 18th century. In its historic rooms, visitors can learn about old East Frisian crafts and see the traditional interior preserved in the brick building.

Another aspect of the wider destination is the church in Bangstede, which dates from the 13th century. The partially preserved body of the suffering Jesus on the cross still hangs inside. This carved work is considered one of the most significant examples of medieval woodcarving in East Frisia.

If you are interested in longer routes, the “Schola Dei” pilgrimage route begins at the monastery site in Ihlow. It runs to St Ludger’s Church in Norden and is 40 km long in total, with 16 stations along the way. The Schlickmuseum Riepe, by contrast, focuses on the history of the landscape: it explains how the silt-overlay project undertaken by the Emden-Riepe Water and Soil Association from 1954 to 1994 changed the landscape of Riepe and Riepsterhammrich. Visits to the museum are possible by prior arrangement.

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More destinations

Discover more destinations: Neu Barstede.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Ihlow.