Best attractions and places to see around Uplengen are characterized by a landscape of mills, sluices, and fen canals in the Leer district of East Frisia, Germany. The region offers a mix of natural features like moors, forests, and lakes, alongside historical landmarks. Visitors can explore a network of cycling paths and waterways, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Uplengen presents a diverse range of attractions for those interested in nature and local culture.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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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Beautiful gallery Dutch windmill right on Aper Tief, just behind a beautiful trail for walking or cycling.
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Next to the mill, which was also open to the public today, there is a tourist restaurant. Directly behind the mill: the Aper Tief, great cycle path directly along the low
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The bridge is really narrow. Allegedly only 180cm wide. Concentration is required when crossing by car.
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History of the Hengstford MILL In 1742, Tönjes Brunken received a concession to build a pellet mill in Hengstforde to peel groats from barley, oats and buckwheat. In 1754, Joh. Georg Conrads acquired the mill. In 1811, miller Conrads applied to mill grain. In 1839, the mill became the property of the Böhlje family. In 1841, miller Böhlje was given permission to start a milling process for rye and wheat. In 1882, Joh. Chr. Böhlje built a cap windmill. In 1952, both mill wings were torn down by a storm. In 1962, the last mill owner, Hans Böhlje, transferred the partially demolished mill to the municipality of Apen. In 1997-1999 the mill was rebuilt by the municipality of Apen in cooperation with the "Mill Promotion Association in the Municipality of Apen e. V." with funding from the European Union, donations from banks and savings banks, funds from the commercial sector, agriculture, the Ammerland district and private donations. Since the beginning of 1999 the non-profit mill promotion association has operated and maintained the Hengstford windmill "Glück Zu"
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From here, it is worth taking a detour to the Thalenweide (city park). Today, the Thalenweide is the small "city park" in which, among other things, a 350-year-old oak tree stands. The Thalenweide used to be a pasture with the Thalen family's agricultural buildings. In 1913, the municipality of Westerstede acquired this area. The town hall was to be built here, but things turned out differently. Today, the Thalenweide is the small "city park" in which, among other things, a 350-year-old oak tree stands. The Westerstede artist Alice Peters-Ohsam also designed a memorial here for those who died in both world wars. The water tower was built in 1933 to supply water to Westerstede. After the Oldenburg-East Frisian Water Association took over the water supply, the water tower was stopped in 1967. An investor bought the tower for the symbolic price of one mark and converted it into an eight-storey residential tower with a café in 1979.
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Uplengen offers several significant historical and cultural sites. You can visit the 13th-century St. Laurentius Church in Remels, known for its impressive tower and Romanesque baptismal font. Another historic church is St. Martins Church in Remels, with parts dating back to 1427. The region is also home to several historic mills, including the Hengstforder Mill, which also houses a restaurant, and the Galerie-Holländer in Remels. For a deeper dive into local history, the Moormuseum provides insights into the significance of moors in East Frisia.
Yes, Uplengen boasts several natural attractions. The Hollesand Forest and Heathland features the Kugelberg, East Frisia's highest natural elevation at 18 meters, offering great hiking paths. The Stapeler Moor has a Moor Experience Path with a replica of an ancient plank road and an observation tower for panoramic views of the moorland. You can also visit the Lengener Meer for excursions or the Badesee Großsander for water activities.
Uplengen is a bicycle-friendly community with a well-signposted network of cycling paths, including the "Deutsche Fehnroute" and the "Hesel-Uplengen-Route." You can also enjoy walking on the beautiful forest paths of the Hollesand Forest. For specific cycling routes, explore options like those found in the Gravel biking around Uplengen or Road Cycling Routes around Uplengen guides. Canoeing on tidal-free routes, such as from Remels to Wiesmoor, is another popular outdoor activity.
Families can enjoy several attractions in Uplengen. The Barßel Marina offers views of the harbor, riverboat tours, and the museum ship "Angela von Barßel." The Torsholter Kirchweg is an idyllic 3.5 km bike path through fields and forests, often feeling like a tunnel of trees, which is great for a family bike ride. The Badesee Großsander is a popular recreational area for swimming and pedal boating, often supervised.
Uplengen is characterized by its waterways and unique bridges. The Leda Bridge Amdorf is notable as the narrowest car bridge in Germany, measuring only 1.80 meters wide and regulated by traffic lights. The region's landscape also features numerous sluices and fen canals, which are integral to its character and offer scenic views, especially during canoe tours.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The komoot community has shared over 390 photos and given more than 1100 upvotes to attractions in the area. Many enjoy the serene cycling paths, the historical significance of the churches and mills, and the distinctive experience of places like the Leda Bridge Amdorf. The opportunity for outdoor activities amidst a picturesque landscape of moors, forests, and canals is also highly valued.
Some attractions in and around Uplengen offer accessibility. The Westerstede Market Square is noted as wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Barßel Marina is also wheelchair accessible, providing a pleasant experience by the water. Some rooms at the Hengstforder Mill restaurant are also wheelchair accessible.
Yes, several attractions offer dining or relaxation options. The Hengstforder Mill houses a very good restaurant, perfect for a meal after a bike tour or walk. The Barßel Marina features opportunities for Texan dining and riverboat tours. The Westerstede Market Square is a redesigned area with a distinctive fountain, offering a pleasant spot to relax, and the town hall there houses tourist information.
While not directly in Uplengen, there are notable historical buildings within easy reach. Burg Stickhausen, located about 11.6 km away in Detern, is a frequently mentioned nearby historical attraction. Additionally, Castle Evenburg, approximately 18.2 km from Uplengen in Leer, is another significant historic building worth visiting.
Uplengen offers a variety of running trails suitable for different preferences. You can find moderate trails like the "Fairy Houses in Holle Sand – Holle Sand Nature Reserve loop" or the "View of the River in Remels loop." For more challenging runs, consider the "Nordgeorgsfehn Canal – Brückenfehn Drawbridge loop." More details and routes can be found in the Running Trails around Uplengen guide.
The Paddel- & Pedalstation Remels is a convenient starting point for exploring Uplengen, offering both boat and bicycle rentals. This allows visitors to easily access the region's extensive network of cycling paths and waterways, including tidal-free canoe tours.


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