Jump to content
Jump to footer
Book now
To the online version
Greetsiel harbour

Eastern Friesland Impressions

On the trail of the Buccaneers

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Greetsiel harbour

You must visit East Frisia at least once – wonderfully located on the North Sea and brimming with its own unique charm and character. Typical brick buildings, cozy beach chairs, and impressive castles line the paths. Cities like Oldenburg, Emden, and Norden will captivate you. A highlight is definitely a visit to Norderney, beneficial for both body and soul. Every day, culinary specialties greet you, whether it's East Frisian tea, smoked eel, shrimp, or kale – what will be your favorite?

Your cycling vacation begins in the charming town of Oldenburg. Stroll through the picturesque alleyways to Oldenburg Castle and indulge in one of the local kale specialties. Culinary delights continue on your first stage to Wiesmoor, where you can savor Smoortaal in the spa town of Bad Zwischenahn. As you journey north, you’ll pass through the enchanting towns of Aurich and Emden, where museums offer fascinating insights into the region's rich history and culture.

On day five, take the ferry to Norderney—a perfect island for a break filled with cycling and beach fun. Back on the mainland, the route takes you past Dornum Castle to Wittmund. Characteristic brick buildings in the towns and lighthouses along the coast define the architecture, especially in Jever and Dangast. After a delightful stop at Jaderberg Zoo, you return to Oldenburg, where your vacation comes to a pleasant end.

  • Art and beach fun near Dangast: The picturesque North Sea resort and artists' village on the edge of Jade Bay is famed for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant artistic heritage. The natural wonder of the Wadden Sea captivates on one side, while the dynamic cultural scene, highlighted by Franz Radziwill's artists' house, enchants on the other. Immerse yourself in the lively and diverse impressions!
  • Breezy bliss on Norderney: While the breeze on the Baltic Sea can escalate into a full-blown wind, the fresh air, the sea view, and relaxing on the beach feel incredibly refreshing. Enjoy watching the birdlife or trying your hand at windsurfing.
  • Maritime charm meets cultural richness in Emden: Immerse yourself in the rich history of this delightful port city through its myriad museums. A standout attraction is the Otto-Huus, celebrating none other than Emden's own comedian, Otto Waalkes. Meanwhile, the Delft, a harbor basin nestled in the city center, captivates with its historic ships and a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for leisurely strolls.

Nature's beauty and maritime history blend into a fascinating package in East Frisia. This eight-day cycling tour is suitable for all levels, as cycling is effortless in the flat landscapes of Northern Germany. Covering approximately 50 kilometers per day, you'll enjoy a relaxed journey through the region.

East Frisia is just one region; our cycling tours in Northern Germany are wonderfully diverse. Whether along the Baltic Sea, the Weser River, or around the capital city, these landscapes share one thing in common – their flat topography, perfect for cycling.

Itinerary at a glance

Arrival in the cycling city of Oldenburg. In the evening you have the opportunity to explore the charming city center.

On your first stage you cycle through Ammerland with tidy little rhododendron gardens. Health resort Bad Zwischenahn on Zwischenahner Sea has a well-known speciality to offer: Smoortaal – fresh smoked eel. You pass the highest elevation of Eastern-Friesland (18 m) near Remels and reach Wiesmoor.

Through Fehn-settlements you reach Aurich with historic centre. The ancient East-Friesian capital was ruled during centuries by East-Friesian chieftains and dukes. Along Ems-Jade-Canal you cycle to sea-port Emden. Emden once was one of the wealthiest harbours of Europe; nevertheless it never joined the Hanse .Afterwards you have the opportunity to stroll through the city or visit one of the three museum ships.

You cycle through „Krummhörn“to picturesque fisher village Greetsiel, the biggest crab-fisher port of Weser-Ems region. Don’t pass by without having a couple of fresh shrimps. Past the bay of Ley – where you might be lucky to spot seals – you cycle to Norden.

The ferry (to be organized on your own) takes about 1 hour from Norddeich to the island, which is ideally suited to be explored by bicycle.. Alternative: Bicycle tour along the coast and the national park Wattenmeer (mudflats) or you visit the harbour seal station in Norddeich.

Leaving Norden you stay close to the coast and cycle on the dyke to Dornum with the most beautiful water-castle of East-Friesland. Cycling through the marshes you reach the ancient East-Friesian chieftain seat Esens with a medieval old town and Gallery Dutch Mills.

Leaving Wittmund your first stop is castle Gödens. Along Zeteler marsh you cycle to Jadebusen. Nestling between forest and sea Varel with Dangast, the oldest North Sea bath on Niedersachsen’s coast, constitutes an attraction not only for art-lovers, who wish to follow the traces of famous Expressionists (Radziwill-museum). You continue cycling along Jadebusen and reach today’s destination, the town Varel, in the afternoon.

On winding roads through Ammerland you cycle to animal- and fun park Jaderberg, home for more than 600 animals. Rastede used to be summer residence of Oldenburg’s dukes and earls. You cycle through the spacious park back to Oldenburg.

Itinerary at a glance

Oldenburg has a particularly charming atmosphere, and in Aurich and Greetsiel, you can linger by the harbor. The Dornum Water Castle and the numerous beaches will enchant you. Don't forget to try the smoked eel "Ammerländer Art."

Possibility to make a stroll through the town.

On your first stage you cycle through Ammerland with tidy little rhododendron gardens. Health resort Bad Zwischenahn on Zwischenahner Sea has a well-known speciality to offer: Smoortaal – fresh smoked eel. You pass the highest elevation of Eastern-Friesland (18 m) near Remels and reach Wiesmoor.

Through Fehn-settlements you reach Aurich with historic centre. The ancient East-Friesian capital was ruled during centuries by East-Friesian chieftains and dukes. Along Ems-Jade-Canal you cycle to sea-port Emden. Emden once was one of the wealthiest harbours of Europe; nevertheless it never joined the Hanse .Afterwards you have the opportunity to stroll through the city or visit one of the three museum ships.

You cycle through „Krummhörn“to picturesque fisher village Greetsiel, the biggest crab-fisher port of Weser-Ems region. Don’t pass by without having a couple of fresh shrimps. Past the bay of Ley – where you might be lucky to spot seals – you cycle to Norden.

The ferry (to be organized on your own) takes about 1 hour from Norddeich to the island, which is ideally suited to be explored by bicycle.. Alternative: Bicycle tour along the coast and the national park Wattenmeer (mudflats) or you visit the harbour seal station in Norddeich.

Leaving Norden you stay close to the coast and cycle on the dyke to Dornum with the most beautiful water-castle of East-Friesland. Cycling through the marshes you reach the ancient East-Friesian chieftain seat Esens with a medieval old town and Gallery Dutch Mills.

Leaving Wittmund your first stop is castle Gödens. Along Zeteler marsh you cycle to Jadebusen. Nestling between forest and sea Varel with Dangast, the oldest North Sea bath on Niedersachsen’s coast, constitutes an attraction not only for art-lovers, who wish to follow the traces of famous Expressionists (Radziwill-museum). You continue cycling along Jadebusen and reach today’s destination, the town Varel, in the afternoon.

On winding roads through Ammerland you cycle to animal- and fun park Jaderberg, home for more than 600 animals. Rastede used to be summer residence of Oldenburg’s dukes and earls. You cycle through the spacious park back to Oldenburg.

Route Information

Easy

Eastern Friesland and the island Norderney are perfect areas for cycling. All routes are most of time flat! You cycle mainly on asphalt or plastered country lanes, sometimes on minor roads. This tour is adequate for beginners or bike groups.

Prices & Dates

Category A: 3***- and 4****- hotels

Category B: Hotels, guesthouses and inns, mostly of 3***-level, partly located on the outskirts

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality men's touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 5 to 9-speed
with coaster brake

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex rental bike PLUS 21 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Best developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • GPS-data is available
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Oldenburg train station
  • Bremen and Hamburg airport
  • Paid parking at the hotel, no reservation possible, to be paid for at the time. Free and unguarded parking spaces close to the hotel.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Oldenburg train station
  • Bremen and Hamburg airport
  • Paid parking at the hotel, no reservation possible, to be paid for at the time. Free and unguarded parking spaces close to the hotel.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room

Antonia Kreiseder

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Thursday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Call now
One click to vacation bliss
 
I am looking forward to your message!
Contact form

4.5 out of 5 stars

4 ratings
5
50%
4
50%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Load more

Other tours that might interest you

from
€749
Book now Book
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.