Attractions and Places To See around Bockhorst - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bockhorst include a blend of historical sites and access to notable regional attractions. The locality features a well-preserved historical village center, characterized by half-timbered architecture and historically grown settlement structures. Visitors can explore cultural sites, monuments, and natural areas within and near Bockhorst. The region offers diverse points of interest for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Bockhorst
- The most popular attractions is Muttschiff (peat barge) statue at the Splitting Canal…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Westrhauderfehn Harbor
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Muttschiff (peat barge) statue at the Splitting Canal in Papenburg
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Old Tower at St. Michael, Papenburg-Obenende
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Hahnentanger Mill
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Esterwegen Memorial
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The two peat boat pullers on the Splitting Canal, even if they are only cast in cast iron, depict the tradition of towing ships, in which a man pulled up to ten barges along the towpath behind him on a rope. They tell of the long-gone fen culture in the Emsland region.
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Two men or a horse pulled the peat barge across the canals. At that time there were fewer paved roads and fewer bridges. Imagine the hard work today, especially in the rain and against the wind!
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1933-1945 The Emsland Camps - The National Socialists and their henchmen set up a total of 15 concentration, penal and prisoner of war camps in the Emsland region. Twelve of them are located in the area of today's Emsland district, three in the Grafschaft Bentheim district. Thousands of people were held in the camps, including numerous "political prisoners" who stood in the way of the National Socialists enforcing their rule. The construction of the Emsland camps took place in three phases that overlapped in time: 1933-1936 Establishment and guarding of concentration camps by the SS (Börgermoor, Neusustrum, Esterwegen) 1934-1945 Penal camps under the supervision of the justice administration (Aschendorfermoor, Börgermoor, Rhede-Brual, Walchum, Neusustrum, Oberlangen, Esterwegen, Versen, Fullen) 1939-1945 Prisoner of war camps of the Wehrmacht High Command (Oberlangen, Wesuwe, Versen, Fullen, Groß Hesepe, Dalum, Wietmarschen, Bathorn, Alexisdorf) Hardly anything of the former Emsland camps can be seen on site. At the locations of the former camps, information boards now provide information about the history of each camp. The Emsland camps I Börgermoor II Aschendorfermoor III Brual-Rhede IV Walchum V Neusustrum VI Oberlangen VII Esterwegen VIII Wesuwe IX Versen X Fullen XI Groß Hesepe XII Dalum XIII Wietmarschen XIV Bathorn XV Alexisdorf https://www.gedenkstaette-esterwegen.de/geschichte/die-emslandlager/ The memorial is easy to reach by bike or car. Bringing bikes or dogs is prohibited on the entire site.
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The mutt ships sailed the Papenburg canals until the 1960s and then disappeared from the cityscape for good. Taken from: https://von-velen-anlage.de/muttschiff-torfschiff/#:~:text=Torfkahn%20der%20fr%C3%BChen%20Siedler,Schiff%20war%20ein%20typisches%20Flatbottomed%20ship.
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The Mutte also differed in size from the Tjalk. The latter was about 14 m long and up to 4 m wide, while the Mutte was about 9 to 11 m long and about 3.20 m to 3.50 m wide. The Tjalk was generally round-bellied at the bow and stern. The Mutte, on the other hand, was both round-bellied and pointed-bellied. The Spitzmutte was "less load, more speed". Taken from: https://von-velen-anlage.de/muttschiff-torfschiff/#:~:text=Torfkahn%20der%20fr%C3%BChen%20Siedler,Schiff%20war%20ein%20typisches%20Plattbodenschiff.
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The highlight is on the Splitting Canal, just before the von velen complex Muttschiff = peat barge of the early settlers The Muttschiff served the Papenburg settlers for centuries as a means of transport for the mined peat and as a watercraft on the canals and the Ems. This ship, similar to the Dutch Tjalk, was a typical flat-bottomed ship. The shallow water depth in the canals running through the city of Papenburg alone meant that the Muttschiffs needed a shallow draft, i.e. a ship without a beam keel. Taken from: https://von-velen-anlage.de/muttschiff-torfschiff/#:~:text=Torfkahn%20der%20fr%C3%BChen%20Siedler,Schiff%20war%20ein%20typisches%20Plattbodenschiff.
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Around 1920, more plots were given to citizens willing to settle there. The new municipal gardening center near the forester's house provided jobs in this structurally weak area and community life gradually developed on the city limits. The "Pfennigverein", which was entered into the association register in 1927, wanted to use donations to push for the construction of a church in this new part of town. In 1928, this association, without which the construction of the church would probably not have been realized, began its fundraising activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in and around Bockhorst?
Bockhorst itself boasts a charming Historical Village Center with half-timbered architecture and a romantic village church. You can also visit the Heimathaus with its bake-house. In the surrounding region, don't miss the significant Esterwegen Memorial, which reflects on the consequences of nationalism. Other historical points of interest include the Muttschiff (peat barge) statue at the Splitting Canal in Papenburg, commemorating early settlers' transport, and the Old Tower at St. Michael, Papenburg-Obenende, offering panoramic city views.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or unique landmarks to see?
Yes, the Westrhauderfehn Harbor provides picturesque views of the navigable canal and the Rhauderfehner promenade, complete with historic ships. The Old Tower at St. Michael, Papenburg-Obenende, a replica of the Riga lighthouse, also offers magnificent views of Papenburg from its top.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Bockhorst?
The area around Bockhorst is great for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, such as the 'Langholt–Esterwegen Cycle Path' or routes exploring the 'Esterweger Dose Wetlands'. For hikers, there are easy trails like the 'Old Field Railway Locomotive loop' or routes around the 'Coastal Canal'. Runners can also find suitable trails, including loops around the 'Esterweger Dose Moor'. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on our road cycling, hiking, and running guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?
Absolutely! For families, the region offers the 'Märchenwald Surwold' (fairy tale forest) and the 'Kletterwald Surwold' (climbing forest) for active fun. Many of the historical sites, such as the Esterwegen Memorial and Westrhauderfehn Harbor, are also listed as family-friendly.
Where can I see traditional mills near Bockhorst?
Mill enthusiasts should visit the Hahnentanger Mill, an old Dutch mill built in 1864. It's a popular destination and is also part of the Ostfriesland mill tour. The mill association works to preserve it, and it often hosts markets and festivals. On Sundays, the neighboring Müllerhaus offers coffee, tea, and cake.
What natural areas can I visit for a quiet escape?
The 'Esterweger Dose' is a natural area located near Bockhorst, offering a peaceful environment for exploration. You can find hiking and cycling routes that pass through or around these wetlands, providing opportunities to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bockhorst?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and scenic beauty. The Westrhauderfehn Harbor is loved for its charming promenade, historic ships, and variety of shops and restaurants. The Esterwegen Memorial is highly recommended for its profound historical significance, prompting reflection. The unique Muttschiff statue is also a popular highlight, offering insight into the region's past.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, several attractions around Bockhorst are noted as wheelchair accessible. These include the Westrhauderfehn Harbor, the Muttschiff (peat barge) statue at the Splitting Canal in Papenburg, and the Esterwegen Memorial, ensuring a broader range of visitors can enjoy these sites.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, particularly in the Historical Village Center of Bockhorst, you'll find 'Emils Wirtshaus,' a gourmet restaurant located in a historic half-timbered house. The Westrhauderfehn Harbor area also features various shops and restaurants along its promenade. Additionally, the Hahnentanger Mill has a neighboring Müllerhaus where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and cake on Sundays.
What is the best time of year to visit Bockhorst and its surrounding attractions?
The region is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and summer are particularly vibrant. The traditional asparagus market held around Bockhorst's historical town center brings the village alive, making it a great time to visit. Warmer months are also ideal for exploring the natural areas and enjoying outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
Are there any parks or recreational areas in the vicinity?
Yes, in Papenburg, you can visit the 'Von-Velen-Anlage,' a historical park, and the 'Stadt Park Papenburg,' which offers recreational opportunities. These parks provide green spaces for relaxation and leisure activities.
What kind of monuments can I expect to see?
Beyond the Muttschiff (peat barge) statue and the Old Tower at St. Michael, the Esterwegen Memorial is a significant cultural monument. These sites offer insights into the region's history, from its early settlement and peat extraction to its more somber past during World War II.
Most popular attractions around Bockhorst
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