Hilmarsum Settlement: Agricultural Landscape and Emden Culture

Hilmarsum Settlement is surrounded by arable land and grassland, giving it a rural, agricultural character. The character of the place provides a clear framework for planning your trip: the landscape and time outdoors can be the focus, while culture and other interests add different dimensions. If you are travelling with varied interests, it is worth considering the mix of nature, activity and culture you want before choosing where to stay.

Rural character and outdoor activities

On the western edge of Hilmarsum, there is a public play and sports area. The site includes an adjoining football pitch and a nearby pond. This brings play and sports facilities together in one place beside a body of water—a different focus for planning your day than visiting cultural institutions. The equipment available at individual play areas may change. If specific equipment is important to you, check its current condition before visiting.

Cycling and nature with their own seasonal conditions

The Petkum–Ditzum ferry crosses the Ems, carrying passengers, bicycles and cars. Cyclists also use this crossing: the Ems Cycle Route and the cross-border Ems-Dollart Route both run across it. As ferry details may change seasonally, check the timetable for your journey. In the wider Emden destination, the Emsuferroute and paths along the Ems Lateral Canal in the village region offer opportunities for walking and cycling. The canal connects the villages, but direct access to the water is limited.

The Unterems Nature Reserve encompasses salt marshes, tidal creeks and extensive tidal flats, which provide habitats for specialised animal species. Together with other areas outside the dikes along the Lower Ems, it is of international importance for migratory and wintering birds. The riverside cycle path is open seasonally from 1 July to 30 September. Before setting out, check the local nature reserve rules and access period.

Culture in the wider Emden destination

In the wider Emden destination, the Kunsthalle primarily presents Classical Modernist art and has an associated art school. Dat Otto Huus documents comedian Otto Waalkes’s career. Across two floors, the museum displays photographs and memorabilia from his life, films, well-known props from cinema and tours, as well as awards and prizes. The two venues offer different focuses: Classical Modernism and painting at one, biography, film and stage props at the other.

The Bunkermuseum Emden is housed in an authentic bunker and brings to life the period from the beginning of National Socialism through the Second World War to Emden’s post-war reconstruction. Informative guided tours are offered for groups in various formats, including outside regular opening hours. Check the current arrangements in advance.

The East Frisian State Museum Emden presents an art and cultural history collection considered unique in north-west Germany. Visitors can explore art and history across around 2,600 square metres. The collection includes the Emden Armoury, with 400-year-old swords, matchlock muskets and armour that reflect the city’s former weaponry.

Emden also showcases its maritime history: the Amrumbank museum lightship has been moored at Ratsdelft in the city centre since 2 August 1984 and is open to the public. As a maritime history museum, it has the oldest intact lightship engine installation. Visiting opportunities may vary seasonally; check opening times in advance.

For cycling and nature trips, the seasonal conditions of the ferry and riverside cycle path are also important planning factors.

Discover more destinations: Jarßum, Logumer Vorwerk, Petkum, Twixlum, Emden, Wybelsum.

Go to the wider travel overview: Emden.