Top 20 Natural Monuments around Ostrhauderfehn
Best natural monuments around Ostrhauderfehn are found in East Frisia, a region characterized by its historical moorland cultivation and extensive waterways. The landscape features remnants of high moors, dynamic riverine lowlands, and a network of Fehn canals. These areas offer diverse ecosystems and insights into the region's natural and cultural heritage. Ostrhauderfehn provides opportunities to explore ancient bogs, wetland habitats, and unique river systems.
Best natural monuments around Ostrhauderfehn
- The most popular natural monuments is Aper Tief nature reserve,…
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Aper Tief nature reserve
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Bird Sanctuary
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Augustfehner Graben Observation Tower
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Hasselt Water Park
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In 2001, after intensive planning, we were able to open our water park directly at the Hasselt waterworks. In a 7,000 m2 large, naturally designed area, we offer …
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Along the Esterweger Dose nature reserve
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The 75 hectare “Aper Tief” nature reserve is a former contiguous wet grassland complex in the lowlands of the Aper Tief. The area was completely removed from grassland use in 2005 by relocating a dike, so that a natural floodplain landscape of a lowland river is redeveloping here. What is noteworthy in this context are the developing river mudflats and floodplain forests, through which oxbow lakes flow.
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Due to the topographical conditions, most of the pumping stations are located in the northwestern part of the Ammerländer Wasseracht association area.
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You can stay here...for a picnic or something for the little ones to play with and a little story too
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A fantastic day trip for the whole family. Fun is guaranteed. Here you can have a great picnic 🧺, learn a lot, and even get the water flowing with plenty of activities using your own muscle power.
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The Aper Tief is a small river in the Lower Saxony municipalities of Apen in the district of Ammerland and Detern in the joint municipality of Jümme in the district of Leer.
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You can rest well at the tower and have a beautiful view of the Aper-Tief.
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It was nice to cycle along here, there is always something to watch left and right 👀.
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The nature reserve with the designation NSG WE 221 is 75 hectares in size. It has been under nature protection since December 17, 1994. The responsible lower nature conservation authority is the Ammerland district. The nature reserve is located south of the Aper Tief between the towns of Apen and Augustfehn in the municipality of Apen in the Ammerland district. It is bordered to the east by the district road 120 and to the west by the Norderloher Canal. In the south of the nature reserve is the dike of the Aper Tief, which was moved from the bank of the Tief to a road running south of it in 2005. Before the dike line was moved back, there were grassland and wet meadows here, which were crossed by oxbows of the Aper Tief. The grassland was mainly used for mowing. After the dike line was moved back, the areas between the Aper Tief and the dike are subject to the natural river dynamics and are partially flooded at high tide. This creates a river floodplain landscape with river mudflats, floodplain forests and wet biotopes. The areas also serve as flood protection. Reed beds, including cattails, water swaths, reed canary grass and sedge marshes, are spreading on the waterlogged areas. The nature reserve is home to laurel willow, prostrate St. John's wort, marsh marigold, greater burnet, water ragwort, water sedge, needle marsh rush, bristly marsh rush and thread rush, among others. The nature reserve is home to numerous bird species, including black-tailed godwit, common snipe and redshank. The nature reserve is also an important habitat for various insects, including ground beetles and dragonflies. In the south of the nature reserve there are two viewing platforms accessible from the road along the dyke, which can be used for nature observation. Another viewing point is located on a pumping station on the north bank of the Aper Tief near Augustfehn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural landscapes can I explore in Ostrhauderfehn?
Ostrhauderfehn is characterized by its unique history of moorland cultivation and extensive waterways. You can explore ancient high moors, dynamic riverine lowlands like the Leda Lowlands, diverse wetland habitats such as the Langholter Meer Landscape Protection Area, and picturesque Fehn canals. These areas offer insights into the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Are there any formally protected nature reserves in Ostrhauderfehn?
Yes, the Esterweger Dose is a significant high moor area that extends into Ostrhauderfehn and is a formally designated nature reserve. It's known for its moorland rewetting efforts and provides habitat for rare plant and animal species. Additionally, the Aper Tief nature reserve is a protected area featuring freshwater mudflats and diverse birdlife.
Which natural monuments are particularly good for birdwatching?
The Bird Sanctuary (Polder Holter Hammrich) is an excellent spot for birdwatching, being a refuge for over 60 bird species across its 240-hectare rewetted landscape. It features a 7-kilometer circular route and a lookout tower. The Aper Tief nature reserve also boasts rich birdlife, especially in its freshwater mudflats and floodplain areas.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the area?
Many natural monuments around Ostrhauderfehn are family-friendly. The Aper Tief nature reserve and Aper Tief Nature Reserve offer well-maintained trails suitable for families. The Bird Sanctuary has a circular route and a lookout tower that children often enjoy. The Idasee, while recreational, also provides a pleasant natural setting with a circular hiking trail.
Where can I find viewpoints to observe the landscape?
You can find excellent viewpoints at the Augustfehner Graben Observation Tower, which offers a nice view of the surrounding landscape. The Bird Sanctuary also features a lookout tower along its circular route, providing elevated views of the wetland environment and its birdlife.
What kind of trails are available near these natural monuments?
You'll find a variety of trails, particularly for hiking and cycling. The Aper Tief nature reserve has well-maintained hiking trails. The Bird Sanctuary offers a 7-kilometer circular route. The Fehn canals are popular for cycling, with routes like the "Wiekentour" and "Deutsche Fehnroute" running alongside them. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Ostrhauderfehn or road cycling routes around Ostrhauderfehn.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Ostrhauderfehn?
The natural monuments in Ostrhauderfehn offer unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly good for birdwatching in areas like the Bird Sanctuary due to migratory patterns. Summer is ideal for enjoying the Idasee and cycling along the Fehn canals. The high moors offer a contemplative experience in any season, with autumn bringing vibrant colors to the heather.
Can I find easy walks or circular routes around the natural monuments?
Yes, there are several easy walks and circular routes. The Bird Sanctuary features a 7-kilometer circular route. The Idasee also has a pleasant circular hiking trail. For more easy options, you can find various easy hikes around Ostrhauderfehn, including loops from Entlastungspolder Holter Hammrich.
What unique natural features define the Ostrhauderfehn region?
The region is defined by its ancient high moors, such as parts of the Ostrhauderfehner Moor and Westermoor, which feature deep peat layers formed over thousands of years. The Leda Lowlands showcase a dynamic riverine environment influenced by North Sea tides. The distinctive, straight Fehn canals, while man-made, are integral to the cultural and natural landscape, offering a unique blend of history and nature.
Are there opportunities for water-based activities near the natural monuments?
The Idasee is a significant natural feature that offers recreational water activities, including bathing. The Fehn canals, originally dug for peat extraction and transport, are now popular for canoeing and offer a unique way to explore the area's waterways. Anglers will also find excellent conditions in the Aper Tief and Idasee.
What is the Langholter Meer Landscape Protection Area known for?
The Langholter Meer Landscape Protection Area is known for its diverse ecosystems, including willow swamp thickets, nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor fens, wet meadows, and well-developed alder swamp forests. It functions as a flood retention polder with seasonal winter flooding, supporting a rich biodiversity and offering excellent opportunities for nature observation in a protected wetland environment.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Ostrhauderfehn?
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many enjoy the well-developed cycle paths along the Fehn canals and the Leda, the opportunities for birdwatching, and the unique experience of the tidal rivers and ancient moorlands. The blend of natural landscapes with the region's cultural history, such as the Fehn canals, is also highly valued.
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