East Frisia with North Sea islands

Itinerary

From the East Frisian Islands in the North Sea to the inland, the landscape could not be more varied. The tradition surrounding tea, the Low German language, East Frisian humor, and the special character of the people make East Frisia unique. Flanked by the maritime cities of Emden and Wilhelmshaven, the East Frisian peninsula encompasses the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea, in the middle of which lie the seven North Sea islands, strung together like pearls: 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, on top of that, a sailing trip on the Weser River at SAiL 2025 in Bremerhaven. This trip to northern Germany is something very special.

Day 1: Arrival

We set off early for northern Germany. We have reserved rooms for our overnight stay in a beautiful hotel in Düsseldorf.

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

Soon we reach East Frisia and the North Sea coast. As soon as we see the sea, we head out onto the water. After a 45-minute boat trip, we reach the island of Norderney, probably the best-known East Frisian island. Now we take a tour across the island on the original Norderney Bömmelbahn railway, taking us directly to the most important sights. At a leisurely pace, we marvel at the Norderney lighthouse, beautiful dune landscapes, the marina, and much more! Afterwards, we will take a lunch break in the center, where you can enjoy a fish sandwich, a burger, or something sweet in one of the many restaurants and coffee houses. We will take the boat back to the mainland and soon reach Aurich by bus, where we will check into our rooms at the ****Hotel Schlossresidenz for four nights. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: From Aurich to Greetsiel

After breakfast, we will begin our guided city tour through historic Aurich. With its huge market square, pretty patrician houses, castle, Pringelhus, and Stiftsmühle, Aurich is one of the most beautiful places in East Frisia. We continue on to Rysum. Here you will find one of the oldest playable organs in the world, and we will enjoy a short organ recital. Right on the coast in Krummhörn stands Germany's largest lighthouse, the “Campen.” Those who are not afraid of the 308 steps will enjoy a magnificent view of the coast and the island of Borkum. At noon, we reach the picturesque fishing and artists' village of Greetsiel on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. We are served a delicious fish meal in a typical inn, followed by an interesting tour of the village. In the afternoon, we return to Aurich. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Langeoog: Carriage ride and Wadden Sea

Today we head to the island of Langeoog. From Bensersiel, a ferry takes us across the Wadden Sea to Langeoog harbor in 30 minutes. The colorful island train is already waiting and takes us to the town center with its many street cafés in just a few minutes. We explore the car-free island by horse-drawn carriage. Afterwards, there is free time for lunch, a visit to the large maritime museum, or enjoying the view across the islands to the mainland from the water tower. You can relax and unwind with a walk on the sandy beach. In the late afternoon, we return to the mainland and enjoy dinner in a beautiful restaurant on the beach. Return to the hotel at around 9:00 p.m.

Day 5: Borkum

Today takes us to the largest and westernmost East Frisian island, Borkum. A ferry takes us leisurely to Borkum harbor, where the island railway is already waiting to take us to the center. During the grand tour of the island, you will feel 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 not only sights but also fascinating views. We enjoy lunch together in an island restaurant. The return trip is on a high-tech catamaran. After dinner, we round off our wonderful days in East Frisia at the bar, enjoying a live performance by a shanty choir.

Day 6: From Aurich to Bochum

Those who wish can sleep in today. Around noon, we leave Aurich and head for Bochum. In the early afternoon, we will check into our ****hotel. Those who haven't had enough yet will have the opportunity to visit the fast-paced musical Starlight Express. Individual dinner in one of the numerous restaurants in Bermuda3Eck.

Day 7: Journey home

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