Located just one town over from the North Sea (and 6km from Emden and 20km from Norden) in the East Frisian part of Lower Saxony is the town of Hinte.
I’ll be honest, it can get quite cold here. So, showing up in January (where the average temp is around 1°C/34°F) probably isn’t a good idea. Summer is quite comfortable though (just over 16°C/61°F in July and August), and a great time to see this Guinness Book of World Records Holder town.
So, what’s Hinte’s claim to fame anyway?
The Leaning Church in the villge of Suurhusen (one of Hinte’s eight villages). It has been proven that this 13th century church tower leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, making it the most crooked building in the world.
For real though, it looks like it’s going to fall right over. And they’ll be more than happy to show you the interior — so long as you call ahead and make an appointment.
Another one of the town’s churches is the Hinte Church, built in the 13th century (it’s bell tower is all that remains from that time period). Its doors are open to visitors from 10am–6pm everyday from April to September, otherwise call ahead.
Call beforehand if you want to see the Gothic frescoes (not discovered until the mid-20th century) at the 15th century Church Westerhausen. The really cool thing about this church is its 350-year old organ that still plays. Amazing.
I’m sorry to say that you can’t see the inside of Burg Hinta (a castle built by a Frisan Chieftan in 1438) as it’s privately owned. The Herrenhaus Loppersum is also privately owned; built by a Major General in 1859. There is a plaque outside to commemorate being visited by Hanover’s George V, who came here on August 24, 1861.
Hey, at least someone will let you in at the Landarbeiterhaus or Farm Worker’s House in Suurhsen, a building from 1768 that’s been restored to its oringal layout. It’s open Sundays from April to September, and where you can see how regular folks lived around the turn of the last century.
A locally guided tour (they’re free!) is a great way to see the best of Hinte, which will also include a stop at the Gallery Dutch Windmill, built in 1869. There’s a tea room right next door, which is a nice place to wind down your stay at this record holding town.
