In most cases about most places you’ll find things to do and places to see all in one place. Then, there’s the exception to the rule, as in the case of Harsum where you’ll have to spread out a bit.
The nine hamlets that make up the town of Harsum each have their own flavor and therefore, need to be visited on their own merit. A few have been farming settlements for an untold number of centuries and where the sugar beet reigns supreme.
Visitors are always welcome here and many come to ride on the many bicycling trails through the countryside. In fact, that’s probably the greatest way to see all of Harsum’s villages.
Ansel is one such place and is mostly a farming village where wheat and sugar beets are grown. This is also where you can sit next to a thousand year old Oak tree for some quiet time.
Rautenberg is another farming village. Come to think of it, it’s been a farming village since Germanic times, making it one of the most historic of all the hamlets. Although, there were prehistoric settlements found in Machtsum.
It has the ruins of Castle Rutenberg (it was destroyed by a fire in the early Middle Ages). Though, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that medieval weapons and utensils were found around the ruins. While you’re here, stop in and visit the early 15th century church of Sts. Cosmas and Damien.
Another beautiful stop is in the village of Borsum where many come to see its 15th century St. Mauritius Military Church. There’s another lovely church in the village of Hüddessum. St. Matthias is much younger than Mauritius, but it’s still pretty nonetheless.
It is places like Harsum that truly is the heart of the real Germany. It’s where you’ll find local kids playing pond ice hockey or a game of soccer going on (depending on season, of course) and some of the freshest produce a farming village can make.
