East Frisia

East Frisia (German: Ostfriesland) is a region of Lower Saxony in Germany. East Frisia is characterized by its green, unforested areas in the interior and its North Sea coast. The main attractions here are the bathing and sailing resorts and the offshore East Frisian Islands. One of the more than 200 historic churches has the world's most crooked tower (the church of Suurhusen near Emden). The Großes Meer, located in the municipality of Südbrookmerland, is only 0.5 to 1.0 m deep, except for a few deeper spots and has therefore become known nationwide as a surfing school. == Cities == 1 Aurich – has a beautiful town centre consisting of a market square and the pedestrian zone 2 Bad Zwischenahn – well-signposted hiking and biking trails lead through the moor, along the Zwischenahner Meer lake, past tree nurseries and beautifully landscaped private gardens 3 Dornum –has moated castle, which now houses a school 4 Emden – the largest town in East Frisia with a strong maritime connection due to the town harbour and shipyards 5 Esens – a regional transportation hub with buses departing for the ferryports of several East Frisian islands 6 Jever – with its castle museum and the Jever brewery, which can also be visited 7 Krummhörn – known for its many historic churches and organs, but also for the largest and smallest lighthouse in Germany 8 Leer – has a tea museum 9 Norden Norddeich – a tourist-oriented coastal resort attracts visitors with a sandy beach and a variety of entertainment options, ferry to Norderney and Juist 10 Südbrookmerland – a recreation area 11 Varel – has a spa, and a church dating to 1144 12 Wangerland – its wide, flat landscape and dikes offer unique views of the fascinating Wadden Sea 13 Wilhelmshaven – named for the Prussian ruler, this city used to be Germany's most important military harbour 14 Wittmund – a good base for exploring the coast == Other destinations == 1 East Frisian Islands – the islands in the Wadden Sea form the region's tourism backbone; each island has its own unique charm and is a popular destination 2 Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park — the large national park area stretches along the North Sea coast of East Frisia and Elbe-Weser Triangle between Ems and Elbe river estuaries. == Understand == East Frisia has a very large per-capita average consumption of tea: 300L/person/year, according to the New York Times. East Frisia is part of the historical homeland of the Frisians, which continues West into the Netherlands and North into Schleswig Holstein, where it is called North Frisia. While Frisian culture - especially their consumption of tea which is traditionally sweetened with rock sugar - is still alive and well in parts of East Frisia, it and especially the Frisian language has come under threat of assimilation since the late 19th century. East Frisia is largely a rural area and apart from the coastal destinations there is little of interest to most visitors, however the beaches and islands do draw millions of tourists (mostly Germans) every summer. East Frisia is also notable within Germany for Ostfriesenwitze ethnic jokes about East Frisians who are supposedly dimwitted and hillbilly-like. With more than 90 historically significant organs spanning six centuries, East Frisia's organ heritage is one of the richest in the world. The comparatively small Pilsum lighthouse was made into perhaps East Frisia's most famous landmark by the comedian Otto Waalkes, a native of Emden. === Climate === Bright sunshine can quickly turn into a storm. The weather in East Frisia can change quickly, but one thing remains constant: the fresh wind. You'll rarely experience a windless day, making the summer heat more bearable. It's also often quite rainy, so it's a good idea to bring a sturdy jacket. === Tourist information === East Frisia Tourism website == Get in == === By train === There is direct Intercity service from Central and even Southern Germany to Norddeich Mole during the summer with connections to the boats to the Juist and Norderney. Emden is also a stop for direct Intercity trains. The other ports and major cities are not as well connected and sometimes a short stretch by bus (integrated with the railway ticket) may be needed to get you to the boat. === By plane === Some of the East Frisian islands and some of the cities in the region have small airfields with domestic flights and general aviation. Unless you are in Germany already, they will be of little use to you and you might instead fly into Bremen or Hamburg and take the train from there. === By car === === By bus === Flixbus serves a few points in this region == Get around == === By boat === Most of the East Frisian islands are only reachable by "their" port by regularly scheduled public boats. As the waters are rather shallow, they can only leave at high tide, so check in advance when the boats leave to avoid sitting at the harbor for hours. === On foot === === By bike === == See == == Do == == Eat == Regional specialties include Grönkohl and Labskaus (green cabbage and Labskaus, although they are generally cooked in northern Germany), Klütje (yeast dumplings with sweet sauce), Updrögt Bohnen (dried beans), Dörstampt Wuddels (mashed carrots and potatoes), Karmelkbree (buttermilk porridge), Prüllkes (yeast pastries), and Neejohrskoken or Krüllkuchen (wafer cookies baked around New Year). == Drink == While coffee dominates the surrounding regions, East Frisia's strong tea culture is considered part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage. The German Records Institute says the region has the highest tea consumption rate in the world, and many residents drink tea multiple times per day. Hot black tea here is drunk rather ceremonially, with rock candy sugar (kluntje) sitting in the bottom of the cup and with whipping cream poured on top. This is left unstirred, so the cup of tea starts out mild and creamy, becomes clear and flavorful, and finishes with a sweet taste. When you've had enough tea, place the spoon in the cup. This is the sign "I don't want any more," because the spoon has no other purpose. There are annual tea festivals, and even a tea museum in Norden. If you have tea in someone's home, you can expect to be offered at least three cups of tea. When you've had enough, you can silently signal that you've had enough by putting your teaspoon in your teacup. == Go next == Oldambt — the region just across the Dutch border, including 'windmill city' Winschoten