Discover Lähden: Culture, Nature and Theatre

Lähden offers cultural history, nature observation and theatre performances. The bell tower in Lähden and the churches in Holte and Vinnen add historical character; in Herßum, a renatured pond and a wayside cross are among the things to discover. Other highlights include the Ahmsen Forest Stage, the Lähden Natural History Centre and the Art Route, with stages in Lähden and Ahmsen. This gives you a choice of different ways to plan your trip: a theatre visit, a nature visit by appointment or a cycling tour.

Historical Traces and Architecture

A bell tower dating from 1700 is considered the oldest in Lähden. In Herßum, the Teepohl is a renatured pond; a wayside cross from the 18th century there recalls the history of the village. The Church of St Clement in Holte is distinguished by its Baroque woodcarving, while the Church of St Anthony in Vinnen was built in 1853. Remains of a stone tomb in Lähden recall earlier times. In Ahmsen, the former Marist monastery dates from 1922 and is now a youth monastery. These examples offer different ways to explore history: from archaeological traces and church art to the present-day use of a historic monastery.

Ahmsen Forest Stage: Programme and Season

The Ahmsen Forest Stage is located in a forest on the outskirts of Ahmsen. Religious plays and fairy-tale performances have been staged there since 1949. The annual programme, running from early May to mid-September, includes a drama and a family musical. The auditorium is fully covered. This recurring season gives you a clear framework for planning your trip: if you would like to attend a performance, check the dates in advance for your travel period.

Nature at the Natural History Centre

At the Lähden Natural History Centre, specimens and display panels illustrate local wildlife and plant life through examples from the forest, fields, air and water. A river cross-section is shown as a diorama. Outside, a herb garden, a tree trail and an insect hotel complement the nature exhibits. This brings together displays indoors and opportunities to explore outdoors. The centre is also used for nature and environmental education outside of school lessons; it also serves as an additional point of contact for local associations and groups. Visits and bookings are by appointment.

Explore the Art Route

The Art Route is 63 kilometres long and is rated as a very easy cycling tour. Lähden and Ahmsen are stages along the route. The Lähden Natural History Centre is a stop where you can experience local wildlife and plant life both indoors and outdoors. The route thus combines cycling with a specific nature theme. The route length and difficulty rating provide useful guidance if you would like to include this cycling tour in your travel plans.

Visits to the Natural History Centre must be arranged by appointment; if you are interested in cycling, the Art Route offers a distinct focus. These different planning options can help you choose accommodation based on the experiences you actually plan to enjoy.

Discover more destinations: Surwold, Rhede, Haren / Ems, Emsbüren, Bawinkel, Werlte, Stavern, Lathen

For the main travel overview: Emsland.