Werdum: Warft Church, Mill and Crafts
Accommodation in Werdum
Discover Werdum through its buildings and hands-on activities: St. Nicolai Church and the Erdholländer windmill each stand on a Warft. There is also a historic smithy, a petting zoo, mini golf and seasonal activities at the Backhuus. The approximately 30-minute village tour on the “Rasender Kalle” passes several of these sights. Together, they offer a range of experiences: architectural history, traditional crafts and activities to take part in.
Church and mill on the Warft
According to the latest findings, the construction of St. Nicolai Church dates from 1230 to 1250. Its organ has a history of its own: Johann Diepenbrock built it in 1897/98 with 14 stops, two manuals and a pedal, and mechanical cone chests. It has been completely preserved and was thoroughly restored by Martin Haspelmath in 1987/88. The age of the church building and the organ’s long-preserved condition thus offer two distinct aspects of local history.
The Erdholländer windmill was built in 1748 on a Warft by the lord of Edenserloog Castle. Today it is open as a museum; a small collection of old household, barn and farming tools is displayed on the ground floor. Mill tours, held on Mondays and Wednesdays from April to October, are followed by a miller’s diploma. Check the latest dates and seasonal visiting arrangements before your trip.
Crafts, a village tour and fun activities
At the Historic Smithy, the blacksmith demonstrates traditional craftsmanship for visitors on request, making horseshoes, hearts and other items. He is on site from April to October. In Werdum, the “Rasender Kalle” miniature train offers an approximately 30-minute tour of the village and passes the mill and smithy; Edenserloog Chieftain’s Castle and St. Nicolai Church are also along the route. The approximate duration helps you plan how much time to allow for the tour. As the service is seasonal, check the latest departure times before your trip.
Werdum Petting Zoo breeds old domestic animal breeds that are threatened with extinction. The mini golf course is located at “Ankerplatz Werdum.” From April to October, the old Backhuus regularly hosts wood-fired baking events, every day except Saturdays. As part of the seasonal Backhuus programme, children can bake stick bread and cookies. Alongside the historical sights, there are also hands-on activities, including a baking activity specifically mentioned for children.
Distinctive cultural and natural highlights in Wittmund
The wider destination of Wittmund also offers its own cultural and natural history highlights. The PeldemĂĽhle was built in 1741, along with a residential building and barn, for hulling barley; it is the oldest single-storey gallery Dutch windmill in north-western Germany. Wittmund Forest covers more than 700 hectares and has several hiking trails as well as paths for walks and cycle rides. The forest is home to a circular woodland bog, described as a glacial Pingo remnant; it has a viewing platform and a bench.
When to visit and find accommodation
Choose your travel dates according to the seasonal activities you would like to include, and check the relevant dates in advance. The mix of architectural history, crafts and activities gives you a range of ways to plan your stay around your interests.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Neuharlingersiel, Esens, Blomberg, Dunum, Holtgast, Nenndorf, Westerholt, Neuschoo.
Back to the broader travel overview: Wittmund.
