Best attractions and places to see around Apen, a municipality in the district of Ammerland, Lower Saxony, Germany, offer a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Historically a fortress town, Apen features landmarks like the St. Nikolai Church, built around 1230, and the former moat of its demolished fortress. The region is characterized by green spaces, cultivated parks, and lakes, providing diverse opportunities for exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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A beautiful section of the sea route.
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In the middle of nature: a dream
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Beware of pedestrians... Drive moderately.
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You can take a nice break at the fishing port near the vocational school, there is also a coffee.
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The market square, the center of the town, only emerged after the great fire of 1815. The market square, the center of the town, only emerged after the great fire of 1815. Over 50 buildings fell victim to the flames. The then bailiff of Negelein was a far-sighted man; despite protests from the affected residents, he prevented the houses from being rebuilt on their original site. For a long time, the square was a traffic hub. In the late 1970s, a pedestrian zone was planned as part of the urban redevelopment. Traffic was to be diverted around the outside of Westerstede. The church could hardly withstand the load of the trucks and cars passing through. The tower was already bulging. Therefore, concrete action was needed because, of course, people wanted to preserve the church.
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HOLIDAY HOME "AM SEE" - Directly on the Zwischenahner Meer - With its own bathing jetty and rowing boat - Ideal for sailors, surfers and anglers! Well-kept and comfortable, fully furnished: living room with separate dining area and satellite TV, DVD, CD/radio; bedroom; kitchen equipped with all necessary equipment; shower/toilet; and a bedroom in the attic accessible via an external staircase; (total 50 sqm); terrace with a view of the sea; lawn; carport (also for bicycles)! Non-smoking house. Bringing dogs (on request) is permitted. They must be kept on a leash on the property. The holiday home is located on an idyllic 10,000 square meter park-like property with old trees and rhododendrons, on which the owner's house is also located. You can start your hike around the lake right in front of our property. In addition, a variety of bike tours and hikes in the near and far surroundings are possible
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Apen boasts a rich history, evident in sites like the St. Nikolai Church, built around 1230, which stands as an important landmark in the Rathausmarkt area. You can also see the former moat of the fortress, offering a glimpse into Apen's past as a crucial border town. Additionally, the St. John the Baptist Church in Augustfehn is another architectural point of interest.
Yes, the Apen region offers several natural and cultivated green spaces. You can visit the Park Gardens and a Kurpark for relaxation and strolls. The Lake Zwischenahn, known as the 'Pearl of the Ammerland,' is the third largest inland lake in Lower Saxony and a popular spot for water sports. While not directly in Apen, the Rhododendronpark Hobbie is a specific cultivated natural area worth exploring.
The area around Apen is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Water route – themed bike Tours in Ammerland' for touring bicycles or the 'Hengstforder Mill – Aper Tief Nature Reserve loop' for hiking. For more options, explore the cycling routes around Apen or the hiking trails around Apen.
Families can enjoy several attractions in the Apen area. The Wooden boardwalk in Kurpark, Bad Zwischenahn is noted for being a fun and scenic section to ride or walk. Lake Zwischenahn is also considered family-friendly, offering opportunities for water sports and lakeside activities. The Landerlebnis Janßen provides a countryside experience suitable for all ages.
You can visit the Sculpted Trees at Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren. This location features a large number of old, unusual solitary trees and artistically trimmed topiaries, offering a unique visual experience of beautifully shaped trees.
While specific seasonal details for Apen are not provided, generally, spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities in Lower Saxony, offering pleasant weather for cycling, hiking, and enjoying lakes. If you are interested in the Rhododendronpark Hobbie, spring is typically the best season to witness the rhododendrons in bloom.
Yes, the Westerstede Market Square is listed as wheelchair accessible, offering a redesigned urban space with a unique fountain system. Additionally, Barßel Marina is also noted for its accessibility, allowing visitors to enjoy the views and facilities.
The region offers several water-based activities. Lake Zwischenahn is an ideal area for water sports. Additionally, the Badesee Großsander provides a natural swimming lake for recreation. At Barßel Marina, you can enjoy views of the harbor, and there are options for boat trips on the MS Spitzhörn.
The Westerstede Market Square was significantly modernized in the 1980s and features a unique circular and tiered fountain system designed by Alice Peters-Ohsam. It's also where the town hall is located, which houses the tourist information center, offering advice and maps for the area.
Apen has a long-standing tradition of holding an autumn market, established in 1582. This market continues to be celebrated annually. For current event information, it's recommended to check local tourism resources, often available at places like the tourist information in Westerstede.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The Wooden boardwalk in Kurpark, Bad Zwischenahn is highlighted for being a fun and well-made section to ride. The Lake Zwischenahn is loved for its beautiful natural landscape and water sports opportunities. The Sculpted Trees at Baumschule Lorenz von Ehren are noted for their unique and artistically trimmed appearance.
Yes, there are several cycling routes. For example, the 'Bridge Over the Aper Tief – Jümme River loop from Augustfehn' is a moderate 68 km route, and the 'Aper Tief nature reserve – Jümme River loop from Nordloh' is an easier 30 km option. You can find more details and routes on the cycling guide for Apen.


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