Nenndorf and the History of Peat-Fired Brickmaking

The Nenndorf peat-fired brickworks gives the town a distinctive cultural and historical focus: the production of bricks fired with peat. It was built in 1896 on Ziegeleistraße in Nenndorf. The production process is considered to have been preserved using traditional methods.

From Lauenburg Clay to the Ring Kiln

The Lauenburg clay used for the bricks is extracted locally. A narrow-gauge railway transports it to the pug mill; the Hoffmann ring kiln was installed in 1903. It is considered Germany’s oldest peat-fired ring kiln. Extraction, transport and firing thus form a clear sequence in brick production. If you are interested in traditional crafts and the history of technology, Nenndorf offers a specific historical focus for planning your trip.

A Mill as the Emblem of Holtriem

The Dutch-style windmill is the emblem of the Holtriem collective municipality. The Dutch-style windmill serves as an emblem for the Holtriem collective municipality. The single-storey gallery Dutch mill was built in 1850; visits are possible at any time. As visiting arrangements may change, please check them before your visit.

Culture and Landscape in the Wider Wittmund Destination

In the wider Wittmund destination, other architectural and cultural histories add to the picture of traditional craft techniques. The Peldemühle was built in 1741 for hulling barley, together with a residential building and a barn. It is the oldest single-storey gallery Dutch mill in north-western Germany. In Wittmund, St. Nicolai Church was consecrated in 1776 as a hall church; it is Evangelical Lutheran and has a sandstone portal. The different buildings represent distinct chapters in regional history. The historic bakehouse at the Peldemühle also demonstrates how grain is processed from flour into bread.

The Robert von Zeppelin and Aviation Museum also explores the history of Wittmund. It opened in June 2015 in Wittmund’s pedestrian zone and presents the regional history closely connected with aviation. The historic Wittmundhafen airfield is brought to life there in particular for young people. Exhibits include aviation memorabilia, artworks by local artists and other items.

Nature and trails offer a different focus. The Wittmund Forest covers more than 700 hectares and has several trails and paths for walks and cycling. It contains a circular woodland bog described as a glacial Pingo remnant; an observation platform with a bench is located there. Small, winding paths, bodies of water and benches invite visitors to linger in Wittmund Palace Park. In summer, the park is used for music events, among other things; individual programmes may vary.

For cycling tours through Wittmund, the fourth stage of the Tour de Fries passes through the town and is signposted throughout with a blue-yellow-green logo. The Jan-Schüpp Fahrradpad runs partly along the Harle, the old shipping route between Carolinensiel and Wittmund. The route can be started or ended at any location; check the route conditions before setting out on a cycling tour.

Discover more destinations: Ochtersum, Dunum, Holtriem, Harlesiel, Friedeburg, Blomberg, Wittmund, Holtgast.

Back to the wider travel overview: Wittmund.