East Frisia with North Sea islands

Itinerary

From the East Frisian Islands in the North Sea to the inland areas, the landscape could not be more varied. The tradition of tea, the Low German language, the East Frisian humour and the special people make East Frisia unique. Flanked by the maritime cities of Emden and Wilhelmshaven, the East Frisian peninsula encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea, in the centre of which the seven North Sea islands are lined up like a pearl: Borkum, Norderney, Juist, Spiekeroog, Langeoog, Baltrum and Wangerooge. You will get to know three of them in detail on this interesting trip. You will also enjoy many extras and a sailing trip on the Weser at the SAiL 2025 in Bremerhaven. This trip to northern Germany is something very special.

Day 1: Arrival

We set off early towards northern Germany. We have reserved rooms for our overnight stay in a beautiful hotel in the Duisburg area.

Day 2: Island magic on Norderney: lighthouses, dunes and the sea

We soon reach East Frisia and the North Sea coast. As soon as we see the sea, we're already on the water. After the 45-minute boat trip, we reach the island of Nordeney, probably the best-known East Frisian island. Now we take the original Nordeney Bömmel railway on a round trip across the island and directly to the most important sights. We explore the Nordeney lighthouse, the beautiful dune landscapes, the marina and much more at a leisurely pace! Afterwards, lunch break in the centre, enjoy a fish sandwich, a burger or something sweet in one of the many restaurants and cafés. We return to the mainland by boat and soon reach Aurich by bus, where we check into our rooms for five nights at the ****Hotel Schlossresidenz. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: From Aurich to Greetsiel

After breakfast, we begin our guided stroll through the historic town of Aurich. With its huge market square, the pretty patrician houses, the castle, the Pringelhus and the Stiftsmühle, Aurich is one of the most beautiful places in East Frisia. The tour continues to Rysum. Here you will find one of the oldest playable organs in the world and we will have a taste of it during a short organ performance. Directly on the coast in Krummhörn is the largest lighthouse in Germany, the ‘Campen’. Those who are not afraid of the 308 steps can enjoy a marvellous view of the coast and the island of Borkum. At lunchtime, we reach the picturesque fishing and artists' village of Greetsiel on the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. We are served a delicious fish lunch in a typical inn and then go on an interesting guided tour of the village. Return to Aurich in the afternoon. In the evening we make a detour to the Vikings, more will not be revealed.

Day 4: Discoveries on Langeoog: carriage ride, Wadden Sea and island panoramas

Today we are travelling to the island of Langeoog. A ferry takes us from Bensersiel through the Wadden Sea to Langeoog harbour in 30 minutes. The colourful island train is already waiting to take us to the town centre with its many street cafés in just a few minutes. We explore the island by horse-drawn carriage on the car-free island. Afterwards we have free time for lunch, a visit to the large maritime museum or enjoy a view over the whole island to the mainland from the water tower. You can unwind on a walk along the sandy beach. In the late afternoon we return to the mainland and enjoy dinner in a wonderful restaurant on the beach. Return to the hotel at around 9.00 pm

Day 5: A day on the SAiL in Bremerhaven

We set off for Bremerhaven at 7.30 am. Finally - after 10 years, Bremerhaven is once again the ‘capital of windjammers’ This event is the big rendezvous for windjammers. Whether three- or four-master, barque or full-rigged ship, many small and large ships from different nations fill the harbours these days. Now it's time to adjust the compass, set sail and then cast off for our three-hour trip on the two-masted schooner ‘Twister’. Experiencing the SAiL on the Weser is an unforgettable experience. There is plenty of time to visit ships, meet sailors and enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle on the water and ashore. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.

Day 6: Borkum

Today takes us to the largest and westernmost East Frisian island, Borkum. A ferry takes us leisurely to Borkum harbour, where the island train is already waiting to take us to the centre. During the long tour of the island, we are transported back to the good old days. In a bright red vintage bus built in 1951, we get to know the island from its most beautiful side. The varied landscape on Borkum offers fascinating views in addition to its sights. We enjoy lunch together in an island restaurant. The return journey is by high-tech catamaran. After dinner, we round off our wonderful days in East Frisia at the bar and enjoy a live performance by a shanty choir.

Day 7: From Aurich to Bochum

You can sleep in at your leisure today. We leave Aurich around midday and visit a museum that is probably unique in its kind. You will have the opportunity to relax with tea and cake in the museum café. Our last overnight stay is in Bochum. If you haven't had enough, you have the opportunity to visit the fast-paced musical ‘Starlight Express’. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 8: Journey home

After these eventful days in East Frisia, we take the motorway back to Switzerland.