Papenburg

Papenburg is a city in Lower Saxony that stretches along roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) of canals, featuring many bascule bridges and moored vessels throughout its urban area. The canals run through the center and residential districts, so waterways and bridges shape the cityscape.

The city was founded in 1631 by Dietrich von Velen and grew from a settlement in the fen regions into a maritime center through peat extraction. In the 19th century shipbuilding became an important economic foundation and shaped the further development of the city.

Gut Altenkamp presents changing exhibitions and concerts in its historic buildings, surrounded by a Baroque garden. Visitors experience cultural events in a setting that combines architecture from past centuries with the atmosphere of a well-maintained country estate.

The city maintains roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) of signposted cycling paths that connect five national cycling routes and are suitable for day trips or longer tours. Many paths run alongside the canals and thus offer relaxed orientation without steep climbs.

The Meyer Werft shipyard builds ocean cruise ships inland and transfers them through a system of locks to the North Sea. The ship transports draw many onlookers because the huge hulls are maneuvered through narrow canals and low bridges.

Location: Emsland

Inception: 1631

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Shares border with: Neulehe, Lehe, Surwold, Rhede (Ems)

Website: https://papenburg.de

GPS coordinates: 53.06667,7.40000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:28