Bay of Sielmönken

The bight reached its greatest extent during the Carolingian transgression of 800 to 950 A. D.[1] After that it silted up heavily and was completely enclosed by dykes between 1,000 A. D. and the 13th century.

The Bay of Sielmönken was situated between the Dollart and the Leybucht on the terrain of the present-day municipality of Krummhörn, with a small portion on the territory of Hinte.

In the Early Middle Ages it separated the historical regions of Emsgau and Federgau.

This enabled them to utilise the fertile marshland soils and access the sea via the bay and the creeks that reached inland.

Villages on the Krummhörn like Manslagt, Visquard, Jennelt, Uttum, Cirkwehrum, Freepsum, Canum, Pewsum, Woquard and Groothusen indicate the location of the historical bay.