Cycling Tour in Germany and the Netherlands

The town had a bad reputation as pirate stronghold in the middle ages until the pirates were “smoked-out” by the inhabitants of Hamburg. The industrialisation of the Ruhr Region, for which Emden was and is an important harbour, caused the town to flourish economically. Today the region has first class cultural facilities to offer, such as the art gallery which was donated by Henri Nannen.

Your Fen Tour begins with a short route to Petkum. From here you will take the ferry (not included) and cross over to Ditzum, a pretty little village with a fishing harbour. You will then continue cycling along the Ems towards the old town of Leer, which in the Early Middle Ages was the seat of the Frisian chiefs. The town boasts a beautiful Old Town with Baroque architecture. You will be able to relax in the harbour area.

Today you will cycle through the Moormerland region, the heart of the fen landscape with moors, forests and heaths, criss-crossed with countless canals and rivers. Your destination for the day is Papenburg which is home to numerous canals and drawbridges giving it the nickname of the “Venice of the North”. You shouldn´t miss the opportunity to visit the internationally renowned Meyer ship building yard, which constructs impressive cruise liners.

Shortly after setting out today you will reach the Dutch province of Groningen. The star-shaped fortress of Bourtange from the 16th century is worth a visit. Cycling through a fertile fen landscape with prosperous farms and old-fashioned sluices, you will come to your destination for the day Stadskanaal, which was built according to the new Dutch model in the 1960s.

Quiet cycle paths through thick forests, heaths and expansive moors and turf regions are typical of the Drenthe province. You will cycle on through idyllic villages to Zuidlaren with its impressive Saxon farmhouses and church in the Late Romanesque style. Passing the Paterswoldsemeer you will come to the significant town of Groningen. The 96-metre-high Martini Tower originally measured 127 meters. However, the wooden top burned down during a bonfire.

The town centre of Groningen has been recognised as the most beautiful in the Netherlands. After leaving the town you will once again be surrounded by nature. Menkemaburg Castle in Uithuizen is one of the most beautiful in the province. In the windmills located there, millers will enthusiastically explain every detail of the milling process to you. You will then cycle along the levee until reaching your destination for the day on the Ems. Don´t miss the last chance to enjoy some Dutch hot chocolate.

Today, you cycle from Delfzijl along the Dollart, a bay on the coast, which was formed by a storm tide in the 14th century. Following the coast, you get back to the Ems at Ditzum. Take the Dietzum-Petkum ferry (not included) across the Ems to get to Emden.

After breakfast your tour along the Fen and Dollart cycle path in East Frisia and the Netherlads comes to an end. We would however, be more than happy to extend your stay in Emden.