Papenburg - the Old Fenland Colony

Although Papenburg is less than 380 years old, it is still the oldest and longest fenland colony in Germany. The houses stretch along the length of the main channel, a drainage ditch from the era of fenland colonisation. The main channel and the many side channels together make up around 40 kilometres of navigable waterways which criss-cross Emsland’s northernmost town. Romantic wooden drawbridges link the islands of this watery labyrinth. Historical two-mast ships, worth a visit and also available for hire for weddings, bob up and down on the main channel.

Meyer Shipyard - cradle for luxury cruise liners

Dietrich von Velen acquired the area where Papenburg now stands in the then inaccessible fenland in 1631 and began to drain it following the Dutch example. The cut peat was used as a valuable fuel. The start of peat-cutting was also the heyday of shipbuilding for the transport of goods. Of the once numerous shipyards, only the famous Meyer yard remains. It builds huge cruise ships which are transported to the North Sea via the Ems, which is dammed for the occasion. Cyclists will appreciate Papenburg, as five good cycle routes can be accessed from here. All five routes meet at the lock in Papenburg.

• http://www.meyer-werft.de

The open-air shipping museum

The open-air shipping museum houses ships from Papenburg rebuilt according to the original plans, which have dropped anchor for the last time in the canals of Papenburg. The brig "Friederike" in front of the Rathaus is both an information point and a meeting place. Official wedding ceremonies can also be held on this enchanting ship.

The 'Emsland Camps'

The history of the 15 Emsland Camps, established during the time of Nazi terror, is mainly unknown - especially to young people. Dealing with this part of history - on the other hand - offers the chance to follow the Nazi-administration of terror and its organization. The documentation and information centre was established in 1985 with the help of former prisoners and a private association. It occupies itself with its own history.

The camp was build by national socialists from 1933 to 1945. In a new building from 1993, a permanent exhibition with photographs, text boards and original drawings, carvings, letters etc. of the prisoners is shown. Drawings of the former soldier Ernst Walsken with the title "Waiting for freedom" that were made between 1937 and 1939 in two other camps are shown in a second room.

• http://www.diz-emslandlager.de

Evaluate article

Your evaluation of this article

Our reader's comments

Tom Dreyer  |  20.12.2009 20:55:20

Ship Captains

My grandfather, Mathias Hermann Dreyer, was born in Papenburg on Fe. 17, 1881 or 1882. He was a ship's captain, as well as some of his father and other ancestors. I believe some of the ships they captained were the ELISE, Auguita Catherine, Heribert and Johannes. Do you know where I can get any information on these ships (includes pictures? I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks, Tom (tdreyer7@comcast.net)

Footer