Discover Emden: Art, Canals and Maritime History

Emden combines art and East Frisian history with maritime heritage and experiences on its canals. Collections, historic ships, canal boat tours and a cycling route through geest, marsh and moor offer a wide range of themes for a stay. If you are looking for accommodation, start by considering the focus of your trip: would you mainly like to explore museums and architectural history, or are water and outdoor activities part of your plans? Emden offers points of interest for both.

Art and East Frisian History

The Kunsthalle Emden primarily presents art from the Classical Modern period and has an attached art school. At the East Frisian State Museum Emden, visitors can explore art and history across around 2,600 square metres. Its art and cultural history collection is considered unique in north-west Germany. The museum also includes the Emden Armoury: 400-year-old swords, matchlock muskets and suits of armour reflect the city’s former armaments. An observation platform 38 metres above ground, just below the tower’s carillon, offers views over the city and surrounding countryside.

The Johannes a Lasco Library also brings together history and a diverse collection. Its roots in the Reformed congregation date back to 1559; it is considered East Frisia’s oldest library. Its treasures include a valuable collection of historic books, an encyclopaedic collection covering every field of scholarship, and the Emden Bible. The library also serves as a venue for concerts and conferences. The Neue Kirche Emden is considered northern Germany’s oldest Reformed preaching church and is also a venue for cultural events.

Maritime History at the Ratsdelft

Several ships are moored at the Ratsdelft, each bringing a different chapter of the city’s history to life. The museum lightship Amrumbank has been moored in the city centre since 2 August 1984 and is open to visitors; visiting hours may vary by season. As a maritime museum, it houses the oldest intact lightship engine installation. The sea rescue cruiser Georg Breusing is also moored at Emden’s Ratsdelft. Notable features of this maritime monument include its navigational equipment, machinery and crew quarters. The herring logger AE 7-Stadt Emden has been a museum ship at the Ratsdelft since spring 1995, offering a glimpse into the once extensive herring fishery.

You can also discover Emden from a different perspective on the water. On bookable canal tours, the MB Schreyershoek travels through the city’s canals, departing from and returning to the Ratsdelft. As timetables can change, check the current tour options before making specific plans. Emden’s many canals can also be explored by canoe or pedal boat.

Museums, Stages and Special Insights

Dat Otto Huus documents the career of Emden comedian Otto Waalkes. Spread over two floors, it displays photos and memorabilia from his life, his films, well-known props from movies and tours, as well as awards and prizes. The Emden Bunker Museum, housed in an authentic bunker on Holzsägerstraße, brings to life the period from the beginning of National Socialism through the Second World War and the post-war reconstruction. Informative guided tours are available for groups in various formats, including outside regular opening hours. If you are planning a group tour, check the current options in advance.

Another cultural venue is the De Vrouw Johanna Mill. It houses the Emden Art Association, an open meeting place for visual artists, and regularly presents changing special exhibitions on a range of themes. The International Filmfest Emden-Norderney is also part of the events calendar and is one of Germany’s internationally recognised film festivals. Programmes and dates vary from year to year, so check the current details before your trip.

Cycling Route and Seasonal Ride

The Friesenroute Rad up Pad runs through twelve municipalities in the district of Aurich and the city of Emden. It connects geest, marsh and moor and passes many places of interest. Current route information is useful when planning your ride. The Emden miniature steam railway offers a very different scale: from April to September, visitors can ride miniature trains along around 750 metres of track through the site. While the cycling route crosses several municipalities, this ride covers a compact stretch of track.

More Destinations

Also discover: Logumer Vorwerk, Hilmarsum settlement, Wybelsum, Twixlum, Petkum, Jarßum.

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