Discover Middelsbur

Terps, dykes and local history

Middelsbur was first mentioned in a document in 1589. Together with the neighbouring terps of Westerbur and Osterbur, the village forms a typical row of terps on the eastern shore of Dornum Bay. The height of the terps shows that they were built before the dykes. Here, a precisely dated historical reference meets an interpretation of the landscape based on the height of the terps.

The history of the dykes also has several chapters. After the storm surge, the sea dyke line was pulled back to the terp of Middelsbur, where it remained until 1965. In the early 17th century, the land in front of the dyke, which was ready to be embanked, was enclosed by a dyke from Dornumergrode to Middelsbur; a sluice structure secured the Accumer Ee. The row of terps, the dyke line and the sluice structure offer different perspectives on local history.

Waterways and activities

The Pumptief runs just south of the Middelsbur terp. This waterway provides access to the Geest edge farther south for smaller boats. The Pumptief and the Geest edge add another perspective on the landscape to the history of the terps and dykes.

In Westerbur, Osterbur and Middelsbur, activities include Boßeln—the traditional sport of the East Frisians—and organised cycling tours. If you would like to include one of these activities in your travel plans, check the latest dates in advance.

There is an important local detail to bear in mind when cycling to the area: there is no cycle path on Pumpsieler Straße to Middelsbur. As infrastructure can change, check the current situation before setting off.

Cultural highlights in the wider destination of Dornum

The wider destination of Dornum has other distinct cultural attractions. In Dornum, the synagogue has been a memorial site since 1992. The building, which still stands today, was built in 1841 and is the only surviving synagogue in East Frisia. The “Synagoge Dornum” association runs the memorial site and is responsible for its exhibitions; a permanent exhibition explores Jewish life.

Another historical highlight is the Dornum post mill: it is the last post mill in East Frisia and has been a local landmark since 1626. The Baroque Dornum water castle also tells the story of different buildings and families. It developed from the Norderburg, which stood there in the 14th century and was associated with the chieftain Hicko Kankena. The restored Knights’ Hall has a gallery running around it. Figurative and ornamental paintings adorn the ceiling; historical oil paintings on the walls tell the story of the von Closter family and their relatives.

Choose accommodation to suit your interests

When weighing up your group’s travel interests, the historical themes can help guide your choice of destination. Middelsbur is known for its row of terps, the development of the dyke line and the Pumptief. In the wider destination of Dornum, other cultural attractions take centre stage, including the synagogue, the post mill and the water castle. Tailor your accommodation search to the attractions you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Roggenstede, Dornumergrode, Neßmersiel, Westeraccum, Nesse, Dornumersiel

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Dornum.