Discover Ihlow: Monastery, history and trails
Accommodation in Ihlow
Ihlow brings together several ways to explore East Frisian history: the monastery site recalls a former Cistercian abbey, historic rooms showcase crafts and everyday life, and a museum explains a far-reaching change to the landscape. There is also a 40-kilometre pilgrimage trail and a cycling network spanning more than 220 kilometres. Which of these discoveries interests you most may influence your choice of holiday apartment in Ihlow.
Ihlow Monastery Site and the “Schola Dei” Pilgrimage Trail
The Ihlow Monastery Site is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Visitors can see a partial reconstruction of the former Cistercian abbey “Schola DeI”. Below ground is the “Room of Tracing”: this exhibition space displays archaeological finds from excavations and also serves as a place for spirituality. Here, exploring the history of the monastery and finding a space for reflection come together.
The “Schola Dei” pilgrimage trail starts at the monastery site. It runs to St Ludger’s Church in Norden, is 40 km long in total and has 16 stations. These details give you a clear idea of what to expect if you would like to include the trail in your trip. The route is a distinct focus, separate from visiting individual houses and museums, so plan it as a separate part of your stay.
Historic Houses and East Frisian Craftsmanship
In Ihlowerfehn stands the Grootsche Huus, an original Fehn house dating from the 18th century. In its historic rooms, visitors can discover traditional East Frisian crafts and see the preserved traditional furnishings of the brick building. The house offers a different perspective on the past from the monastery site: here, the focus is on living spaces, furnishings and craft traditions.
The church in Bangstede also bears witness to medieval art. It dates from the 13th century. The only partially preserved body of the suffering Jesus on the cross still hangs in the church today. This carved work is among the most significant examples of carving in medieval East Frisia. Those interested in church art will find a specific work here, whose state of preservation is part of its description.
Landscape History and Routes Through Ihlow
The Riepe Silt Museum explains the changes brought about in the landscapes of Riepe and Riepsterhammrich by the water-and-soil association Emden-Riepe’s silt-covering project between 1954 and 1994. The museum visit therefore focuses on a specific period and on landscape changes in these two areas. This complements the historical insights into the monastery, church and Fehn house with a topic from the more recent past.
For cyclists, the cycling network covers more than 220 km. Green-and-white signs guide you through Ihlow and beyond the municipality’s boundaries. If you would rather make a cycling trip the focus of your holiday than visit individual attractions, you can take these signposted routes into account when choosing your holiday focus. The pilgrimage trail and cycling network offer different ways to discover Ihlow: one is a 40 km route with 16 stations, while the other is a network of routes spanning more than 220 km.
Discover More Places
Other places in the municipality include Ostersander and Neu Barstede. The historic sites, pilgrimage trail and cycling routes offer different ideas for your trip; choose a holiday apartment in Ihlow to suit the focus you have in mind.
For the main travel overview: Aurich.
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