Ostfrisland Trip in Spring

_{A sunny day @ Ditzum, Ostfriesland, Germany –}

A typical question popped when the time of vacation came. Where shall we go? And how long? This question was not easily answered this time. The loss of Dave’s father, the willingness to go but not far, and the curiosity to explore Germany have not brought me to Ostfrisland.

_{Beautiful Ostfrisland}

Ostfrisland, a north part of Germany influenced by the Netherlands

Funny, since I am from Hamburg, hearing “Moin” as a greeting is so common. And this same greeting appears in Ostfrisland. Like how I wrote that this part of Germany is influenced by the Netherlands, it is objectively located near The Netherlands as well. Dave and I started our trip from Hamburg to Emden. There, we decided to say hello to our two lovely friends. Emden is a part of Ostfrisland and is actually a perfect door to explore Ostfrisland further. Keep reading to discover it.

_{Strolling around with Marieke @ Emden}

A highlight from Emden is a cute little harbour city with a sleepy vibe. I personally just love how things are moving slower there. Due to the time limit, we only managed to see the main parts of Emden.

_{The oldest flood gate in Europe is located in Emden}

_{Windmill of Emden}

_{Main park @ Emden}

_{Spring @ Emden}

After a night, we packed our bags to take the ferry from Petkum to Ditzum. Our trip from Petkum to Dizum lasted 20 minutes and a ticket cost 2€ each person.

During the trip I realized how a lot of travellers bring their motorbikes and bicycles with them. Along the ride, I was spoiled by nature’s beauty. I knew from that moment on the ship that this vacation would be a relaxing one. And boy was I right!

_{During boat trip from Petkum to Ditzum – even ATV was there}

_{View from the board, how peaceful!}

Where did I stay in Ostfeisland?

There are a lot of areas to choose from in Ostfrisland. But in terms of finding a good and affordable accommodation could be a challenge. Therefore, I opted to stay in Ditzum, a perfect town to rest. You are surrounded by nature, simplicity, and great air. Plus, their fish are super fresh.

_{Cute honey and souvenir stand in Ditzum – self service and trust base, you took something, you paid the money in the can}

_{Houses in Ditzum}

_{Trying different fish @ Fischaus Ditzum}

Originally, we wanted to stay overnight at the Ostfrisland islands, i.e. Spikeroog, Langeoog, etc. But it was so expensive. Rumor said, one has even to book it a year before to get the best price available.

Well, I was so glad to find good and affordable accommodation at Ditzum from the ferien-wohnung website for 60€ per night at max.

_{A kitchen is a must have for this holiday}

_{And a bathtub is nice to have 😉}

How long did I stay in Ditzum?

Three nights and four days are sufficient to enjoy Ditzum in a minimum length.

What did I do?

I was there on Christ Ascension Days and the local market was therefore open. I was able to visit the windmill as well.

_{Learning types of wheat @ Ditzum windmill}

Besides that, I also strolled around to enjoy nature and scenery. And of course church, graveyard, and some cafes & restaurants were some destinations.

_{One group of furry friends along the way}

Do remember to pay attention to information boards. All over Ostfrisland, there would be information boards about the objects that you see.

_{An information board}

After feeling that it was enough to explore Ditzum, Leer, and Delfzjil were my next stops.

Leer is another town in Ostfrisland. To go to Leer by public transportation from Ditzum is by bus. It will take you an hour to get there. In Leer, you can visit some cool places like Bünting Tee Museum to learn about Ostfrisland tea culture and also Weinhous Wolf not only to buy wind, but also visit the distillery house owners from the way back then. Note that these are small towns, so buses are coming rarely and you shouldn’t skip it.

_{Tea ceremony at Bünting Museum, every Tuesday for 8€ per person cash only – Learn everything abt. the tea tradition in Ostfrisland}

_{Wein Wolff Haus – stunning from outside}

_{Mesmerizing shop in the inside with a lot of choices & samples}

_{The house also serves as a museum with a free audioguide on the second & third floor (3€ per person)}

_{Inside an antique shop @ Leer}

_{Cafe @ Leer}

_{Old post box @ Leer}

Delfzjil, the nearest Netherlands city that one can explore from Ostfrisland, Germany. It is accessible by riding a ferry, MS Dollard, from Dizum with a stop to Emden, with which the ticket can also be bought on board (29€ per person to travel). Delfzijl is an industrial harbour city, which you can spot its similarities with Emden, for example from the architecture and city layout. Make sure to come here on Wednesday since it is a market day which is open until 17:00. And of course, to eat some Indonesian food since you are in the Netherlands already. Fyi, Indonesia was colonized by the Netherlands for 3.5 centuries, making the Indonesian diasporas in the Netherlands quite big, hence the food accessibility.

_{Delfzjil, also a harbour town, but in the Netherlands}

_{Nasi Kuning Rames or yellow rice with condiments, an Indonesian delicacy, with Satay @ Toko Kapal, Delfzjil}

_{Playground @ Defzjil in Miffi theme}

_{Free deer spotting on a park @ Delfzjil}

_{A monument of remembering the effect of World War, poverty, hunger, and suffering @ Delfzjil}

Would I visit Ostfrisland again?

Absolutely! It was hands down way better than I expected. I felt totally relaxed and recharged after spending my days there. Plus, if you have a Deutschland ticket, find the right accommodation, and manage your daily budget wisely, having a vacation there is not breaking the bank.