City trips
Explore the towns of East Frisia
East Frisia offers a perfect combination of maritime charm, historic architecture and cultural highlights. The region in north-western Germany is ideal for varied city trips, with each place displaying its own distinctive character. Visits to Emden, Norden, Aurich, Leer, Jever and nearby Papenburg with its famous Meyer Werft shipyard are particularly worthwhile.
**Emden – A harbour town with maritime charm**
Emden, the largest East Frisian town at the mouth of the River Ems, is known for its large seaport and rich cultural offering. The Kunsthalle Emden displays works by artists such as Emil Nolde, one of the best-known Expressionists. A walk along the inner harbour and through the historic old town reveals attractive gabled houses and the old lighthouse. Boat trips on the Dollart or excursions to the island of Borkum are also possible from here.
**Aurich – The heart of East Frisia**
With almost 42,000 inhabitants, Aurich is the second-largest town in East Frisia and is regarded as the region's administrative centre. Its lovingly restored town centre features numerous half-timbered houses and cosy cafés. Aurich Castle and St Lambert's Church are well worth seeing. Aurich is also an ideal starting point for tours of the surrounding countryside or the East Frisian Islands.
**Leer – The “town by the sea”**
Leer combines traditional brick architecture with a lively harbour atmosphere. The historic old town, with its town hall and attractive gabled houses, is perfect for a stroll. The town harbour is a popular meeting place with restaurants, bars and boat landing stages. The ferry connection to Borkum also departs from here. Canal cruises are a special recommendation and convey a distinctly maritime way of life.
**Jever – Beer town and historic setting**
Jever is famous for its castle and the Jever brewery. The imposing castle and its museum provide interesting insights into the history of the town and region. The town centre impresses with pretty lanes, historic buildings and the old town gate. Beer lovers should definitely join a brewery tour to learn more about the famous Jever Pilsener.
**Papenburg and Meyer Werft – Technology and tradition**
Only a few kilometres from East Frisia lies Papenburg, known for Meyer Werft, one of the world's most modern and largest shipyards. Huge cruise ships are built here in impressive industrial facilities. A guided tour of the shipyard is an exciting experience for technology and ship enthusiasts of all ages. Papenburg itself has an idyllic canal harbour and an attractive pedestrian zone with numerous shops and restaurants.
A city trip through East Frisia promises varied discoveries between historic architecture, maritime atmosphere and modern industrial history. Whether culture in Emden, cosiness in Aurich, harbour flair in Leer, brewing tradition in Jever or large-scale shipbuilding in Papenburg, the region offers something for every visitor and is an exciting option for a short break on the North Sea.
With its various museums, events and traditional festivals, Norden is an important cultural centre in East Frisia. Visitors can experience East Frisian tea culture, enjoy local specialities and visit traditional markets.
**Norden, the oldest town in the region**
In summary, Norden combines tradition and nature and has much to offer both residents and visitors. Its maritime character, historical importance and East Frisian hospitality make Norden a special place in Germany.
**Emden – A harbour town with maritime charm**
Emden, the largest East Frisian town at the mouth of the River Ems, is known for its large seaport and rich cultural offering. The Kunsthalle Emden displays works by artists such as Emil Nolde, one of the best-known Expressionists. A walk along the inner harbour and through the historic old town reveals attractive gabled houses and the old lighthouse. Boat trips on the Dollart or excursions to the island of Borkum are also possible from here.
**Aurich – The heart of East Frisia**
With almost 42,000 inhabitants, Aurich is the second-largest town in East Frisia and is regarded as the region's administrative centre. Its lovingly restored town centre features numerous half-timbered houses and cosy cafés. Aurich Castle and St Lambert's Church are well worth seeing. Aurich is also an ideal starting point for tours of the surrounding countryside or the East Frisian Islands.
**Leer – The “town by the sea”**
Leer combines traditional brick architecture with a lively harbour atmosphere. The historic old town, with its town hall and attractive gabled houses, is perfect for a stroll. The town harbour is a popular meeting place with restaurants, bars and boat landing stages. The ferry connection to Borkum also departs from here. Canal cruises are a special recommendation and convey a distinctly maritime way of life.
**Jever – Beer town and historic setting**
Jever is famous for its castle and the Jever brewery. The imposing castle and its museum provide interesting insights into the history of the town and region. The town centre impresses with pretty lanes, historic buildings and the old town gate. Beer lovers should definitely join a brewery tour to learn more about the famous Jever Pilsener.
**Papenburg and Meyer Werft – Technology and tradition**
Only a few kilometres from East Frisia lies Papenburg, known for Meyer Werft, one of the world's most modern and largest shipyards. Huge cruise ships are built here in impressive industrial facilities. A guided tour of the shipyard is an exciting experience for technology and ship enthusiasts of all ages. Papenburg itself has an idyllic canal harbour and an attractive pedestrian zone with numerous shops and restaurants.
A city trip through East Frisia promises varied discoveries between historic architecture, maritime atmosphere and modern industrial history. Whether culture in Emden, cosiness in Aurich, harbour flair in Leer, brewing tradition in Jever or large-scale shipbuilding in Papenburg, the region offers something for every visitor and is an exciting option for a short break on the North Sea.
With its various museums, events and traditional festivals, Norden is an important cultural centre in East Frisia. Visitors can experience East Frisian tea culture, enjoy local specialities and visit traditional markets.
**Norden, the oldest town in the region**
In summary, Norden combines tradition and nature and has much to offer both residents and visitors. Its maritime character, historical importance and East Frisian hospitality make Norden a special place in Germany.