If they are older German organs, yes the pedal boards were not as recessed as today's standards. If they are newer organs, they are probably more in alignment with RCCO/AGO standards. The older pedal boards that were not recessed were used as one of the arguments for toe only pedaling in Geramn Baroque organ music, you supposedly didn't have room to get your heel down. Arnstadt was apparently one of the first organs with a more recessed pedal board. Read here for an interesting take on the subject. http://www.albany.edu/piporg-l/FS/sr.html
John