Von-Velen-Anlage

It's hard to believe how much Papenburg and the lives of the people here have changed over the centuries. The exciting open-air museum, named after the town's founder Dietrich von Velen, brings this to life. It shows the harsh conditions under which the first colonists began draining the moor in 1631, cutting peat and digging canals, the total length of which would eventually be 43 kilometers.

The exhibition also shows how the citizens of Germany's oldest and longest fen colony achieved prosperity through shipbuilding in what was once 23 shipyards and through merchant shipping all over the world. In the historic captain's house, the Papenbörger Hus, guests can still have a good time today, as good East Frisian tea is served here with typical buckwheat pancakes. The other houses are also authentically furnished with historic furniture.

One of the highlights of the journey through Papenburg's history is the romantic boat trip on the "Michaela" or the "Leidi". The boats, silently powered by electric motors, glide under bridges and trees on the von-Velen Canal to an idyllic lake.