Potshausen: Leda, Hammrich and history

Potshausen brings together the open Hammrich lowlands and a distinctive local history. To the north of the village, the Leda lowlands, with their open Hammrich, shape the landscape. The Leda is up to 80 metres wide here; the tide is still noticeable, and there is a connection towards the North Sea. River conditions can vary seasonally. The interplay of water and wide-open land offers a tangible starting point for considering Potshausen as a travel destination.

The bridge and church as landmarks of local history

The Leda Bridge is considered the earliest documented drawbridge in the area of today’s municipality of Ostrhauderfehn; records date back to 1662. A former customs station and the Potshauser Schanze were located nearby. The close proximity of these sites brings together several historical connections around the bridge and makes this part of local history tangible.

Potshausen Church also has a long history: it was built in 1865 and consecrated on 18 March 1866. It is considered the oldest church in Ostrhauderfehn. Inside are an altarpiece dating from 1647, which comes from the previous church, and a medieval pre-Reformation crucifix. This brings together objects from the Middle Ages, the 17th century and the 19th century in one church. Those interested in cultural history will find a tangible connection to several different eras here.

Ostrhauderfehn as the wider setting

In the wider travel destination of Ostrhauderfehn, Idafehn Mill adds to the cultural and historical picture. It was built in 1891 and is located in the district of Idafehn. The municipality of Ostrhauderfehn rebuilt the mill; in 2001, it was completed as a gallery Dutch mill with a packing house. Its reconstruction adds another regional connection alongside the historical landmarks in Potshausen.

Two routes, different scales

The signposted Wiekentour is a 29-kilometre circular cycle route along Ostrhauderfehn’s dead-straight fen canals. It passes St Peter’s Church, Idafehn Mill and the white drawbridges, and continues into the peat bog area. You can explore the Wiekentour by bicycle, on foot or by car. The route thus links the fen canals with several named stops and the peat bog area. Idasee lake is also on the Wiekentour and adds a connection to the water alongside the named buildings.

The Moorerlebnisroute is about 100 kilometres long and connects Ostrhauderfehn, Rhauderfehn, Barßel, Saterland and Esterwegen. At the regional level, the routes can be distinguished by their stated lengths and formats: the Wiekentour is a circular cycle route, while the Moorerlebnisroute connects several places. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a circular route and a longer connection across several municipalities.

Consider whether you want your travel plans to focus on the village itself or include the wider region.

For the wider travel overview: Ostrhauderfehn.