Doetlingen, the smallest village in the county of Oldenburg in Northern Germany has much more to offer than just the idyllic villagecentre with its stone-built church.
The secluded countryside aura and originality of old farmhouses give an impression of pleasing tranquility. This picturesque ambiance in the middle of an inspiring landscape with its small river, the moor and heathlands, the forests and, last but not least, the idyllic village centre attracts a faithfull number of visitors during every period of the year.
However, in order to explain the special aspect of Doetlingen it needs more than just the description of the landscape. In addition to the romantic and beautiful rural walks in and around the village, art has long been a tradition in Doetlingen. For for more than one hundred years the village has attracted in an almost magical way all kinds of people with creative potential.
About 1900 Doetlingen was already considered as an “artists’ colony”. Artists like Georg Mueller vom Siel, August Kaufhold, Otto Pankok and many others are still well known way beyond the village.
In the periodical “Die Kunsthalle” Johann Beyer from Bremen wrote about Doetlingen on 20th December 1901: Doetlingen is a calm little village in the moors. Very oldstraw-roofed farmhouses of authentical lower-saxon character with old baking ovens in the farmyards which are surrounded by thick hedges and dams, mighty, old oak trees, the ancient church and poorely maintained roads give the village a particularly picturesque beauty which is further emphasized by the hilly landscape and the wonderful views.
Even today a lot of artistic endeavour can be seen in one or other of the restored barns or converted garages. During the last decennia many artists became fascinated by the beauty and quality of Doetlingen life and took residence in the village.
It is remarkable how many outstanding artists provide a large variety of creative work. Lots of cultural events like the “Culture Pure” organised by the Doetlingen Foundation, the so-called “Garden Cultour”, the “Cinema in the barns” and art exhibitions by well-known regional artists are regularly scheduled during the year. This contributes a great deal to the appeal of Doetlingen.
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