Discover Firrel: Church and Village History

Firrel offers specific points of interest for anyone interested in village history and architecture: the church dates from 1906/07. A family-oriented local feature is the playground for young children by the community hall, next to the village square. In Firrel, architectural history and an amenity for young children sit side by side.

Church and Architectural History in Firrel

Firrel’s church is a hall church built of red facing brick. Its chancel is recessed and has a flat end. These terms describe the shape of the building: the chancel is set back from the rest of the church interior and ends in a straight wall. Together with the red facing brick, this creates a clearly defined building dating from the early 20th century.

The church and rectory form a single building complex. Both were built in 1906/07 during the tenure of P. Johann Heinrich Meints, to a design by the ministry and under the supervision of architect Hedemann from Emden. They were consecrated on 26 May 1907. The building’s history can therefore be explored not only through its architecture, but also through its design, construction supervision and consecration.

For families with young children, the playground by the community hall is another specific local feature. It is next to the village square and intended for young children. Those planning a trip with different interests in mind will find that Firrel offers both a historical topic for adults and a designated playground for the youngest travellers.

Nature and History in the Wider Region

In the wider region lies Heseler Wald, the largest contiguous woodland in southern East Frisia. Visitors can hike, jog, go Nordic walking and take walks there. A tree trail offers insights into the trees of the forest. Nature enthusiasts can choose between exercise and a themed walk, without confusing these activities with Firrel’s village centre.

The Hesel Joint Municipality area also has signposted junction routes, including the 41-kilometre Hesel Experience Route. In the wider region of the joint municipality, hedges mark the outline of the former Barthe Convent. Large information boards there provide details about the convent’s history and the archaeological findings. The route and the convent represent different ways to explore the region: a longer route and an encounter with a historic site.

More Places to Discover in Leer

The wider travel destination of Leer offers additional cultural and nature destinations. Evenburg Castle in Leer is a cultural monument of significance beyond the region and comprises the castle, park and outer bailey. Since May 2014, it has been open with a permanent exhibition on the life and work of an aristocratic family in the 19th century, as well as serving as a centre for garden culture. Architecture, exhibitions and garden culture offer several perspectives on the same place.

History can also be read in the buildings of Leer’s old town: the Amsterdam-style gabled Haus Samson has adorned it since 1643. Public guided city tours include the old town hall, the historic weigh house and Haus Samson; the tour lasts 1.5 hours. Those who prefer a guided perspective can factor this duration into their day’s plans.

Other cultural sites include the Former Jewish School in Leer, a memorial and meeting place run by the District of Leer, and the Leer Local History Museum, which focuses on East Frisian domestic culture and local seafaring. The Bünting Tea Museum, spread over two floors, explores the cultivation, production and preparation of tea, as well as the history of East Frisia’s favourite drink. By contrast, the harbour takes centre stage at the Museum Harbour, which is freely accessible all year round and operated and maintained by the Schipperklottje.

For a view of the landscape, the Westerhammrich recreation area in the northwest of Leer offers another perspective: it covers around 1 km² and is centred on a lake of about 15 ha. The area has footpaths and cycle paths, places to stop and observation points. The wider travel destination of Leer thus offers everything from urban history and museums to trails and viewing points in a recreational area.

Discover more destinations: Ostrhauderfehn, Neukamperfehn, Moormerland, Uplengen, Brinkum, Bingum, Nortmoor, Filsum.

Back to the overall travel guide: Leer.