Osterholz: Art and the Devil’s Moor

Worpswede combines art history with the cultural landscape of the Devil’s Moor and is a vibrant center of cultural life in the district of Osterholz. Six museums present the town’s art history through their collections and special exhibitions. This provides clear focal points for planning a trip: works by several generations, a historic artists’ house, and paths through the landscape give your stay a range of different experiences.

Art and the history of artists in Worpswede

The Worpswede Kunsthalle permanently displays works by the first generation of Worpswede painters and their successors. The Museum am Modersohn-Haus also features works by the first generation of Worpswede painters. The former home of Paula Modersohn-Becker and Otto Modersohn is dedicated to Paula Modersohn-Becker’s life, which is brought to life there through works and photographs.

The Große Kunstschau is part of Bernhard Hoetger’s Expressionist ensemble, alongside Kaffee Worpswede. The Große Kunstschau was established in 1927, and Kaffee Worpswede in 1925. Designed like a sculpture made of red brick, the Große Kunstschau presents works by Heinrich Vogeler, Otto Modersohn, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Hans am Ende, Fritz Overbeck, Fritz Mackensen, and Carl Vinnen. Its architecture and collection offer different perspectives on the art Worpswede has to offer.

The Barkenhoff also offers an insight into the town’s history: from 1895 to 1923, it was Heinrich Vogeler’s home and workplace. The exhibition at the Barkenhoff provides a comprehensive overview of his work—from his time at the Düsseldorf Art Academy, through Art Nouveau and Expressionism, to the new realist painting. Together with the museums and the art exhibition, Worpswede thus offers several ways to explore art history, from the works on display to Vogeler’s former home and workplace.

The Devil’s Moor and its landscape

Worpswede lies in the cultural landscape of the Devil’s Moor, where nature, history, and culture are interconnected. Parts of the Devil’s Moor in the district of Osterholz provide a habitat for endangered animal and plant species, as well as an opportunity for visitors to experience nature. The Hammeniederung also extends into the district of Osterholz. It is one of the most significant large-scale wetlands and one of the last extensive floodplain landscapes in northwestern Germany.

Harriersand is part of a protected landscape complex on the Lower Weser in the district of Osterholz. The region therefore offers a range of landscape highlights: the Devil’s Moor with its natural and cultural history, the wetlands of the Hammeniederung, and the protected landscape complex on the Lower Weser. These can each be explored as a separate focus for your stay.

Exploring Worpswede and Osterholz-Scharmbeck

The Weyerberger Sliekpad starts at the Worpswede Tourist Information Office and passes some of the artists’ village’s and Weyerberg’s most beautiful spots. Access to the trail may vary for nature conservation reasons. The network of cycle paths in and around Worpswede is signposted according to ADFC standards and includes a junction system that lets you customize your routes. Guided walks around the town and cycling tours are also available, offering a closer look at Worpswede and the Devil’s Moor. If you are planning a guided tour, check the current dates.

In summer, the Moorexpress runs through the Devil’s Moor via Worpswede between Bremen and Stade on Saturdays and public holidays. As operating dates can change from year to year, check them before planning your trip. In Osterholz-Scharmbeck, the water tower offers panoramic views of the Hammeniederung and Bremen on Sundays from May to October; check current access arrangements before your visit. A Benedictine convent church dating from the 12th century is also located in Osterholz-Scharmbeck.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lilienthal, Ritterhude, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Worpswede, Dannenberg, Grasberg, Schwanewede, Hambergen, Vollersode, Lübberstedt.

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