The Surrounding Area

Spend a few holiday days in the Ammerland — a region home to some of the most beautiful park landscapes in north-western Germany. Surrounded by colourful rhododendron gardens, you’ll truly come into bloom yourself. Whether by bike or on foot — discover the numerous cultural treasures that the Ammerland and its surroundings have to offer. Excursions to East Frisia, with the towns of Emden, Leer, and Aurich, the East Frisian Islands, and the North Sea coast are equally varied and relaxing.

East Frisian Islands

Experience magnificent open spaces and beautiful nature along long sandy beaches. Wangerooge, Spiekeroog, Langeoog, Baltrum, Norderney, Juist, and Borkum — discover fascinating tranquillity on mudflat walks and breathe in the fresh sea breeze while strolling, cycling, and building sandcastles. You can do all of this on the 7 East Frisian Islands in the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park. Relaxation is guaranteed here in every season.

North Sea Coast

The harbour villages of Carolinensiel, Krummhörn-Greetsiel, Marienhafe, Neuharlingersiel, and Norden/Norddeich are small towns where you can truly let your soul unwind. A trip on a fishing cutter or a visit to a maritime museum rounds off the experience. And not to be missed: grab a delicious shrimp roll to eat on the go.

Cycling through seemingly endless flat, gently rolling natural landscapes and through red-brick Fehn settlements — that’s what makes the Fehn Route so special. The area stretches over 173 km in north-western Germany, close to the North Sea coast and the neighbouring Netherlands. Characteristic features along this route are the many canals, locks, and drawbridges.

Cycling and Hiking

Along the cycle route — totalling 170 kilometres through marshland, geest, and moors — there’s plenty to discover in the Ammerland region: vibrant floral displays, green oases, culture-rich towns and villages, modern and traditional guesthouses, as well as many friendly and easy-going locals. Cosy stops for a break and professional bicycle service are on offer in many places.

Bad Zwischenahn is the only town in Lower Saxony to hold the dual designation of “State-Recognised Mud Spa” and “Kneipp Spa Town”. Nature lovers, take note: the Zwischenahner Meer is known as the “Pearl of the Ammerland”. Set within stunning natural surroundings, this third-largest inland lake in Lower Saxony is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, and spa visitors. The large lake can be wonderfully circled — on foot or by bike — along a 13 km route. Near the Zwischenahner Meer, you’ll find large and impressive tree nurseries, some of which have even delivered their plants as far as Red Square in Moscow.

Smoked Eel

The Zwischenahner Smoortaal is considered a delicacy in the Ammerland region. A traditional eel meal with Ammerländer Schwarzbrot (dark rye bread) and an Ammerländer Löffeltrunk (a shot of grain spirit served from a pewter spoon) not only fosters good company but also keeps a centuries-old custom alive. And of course, the Löffeltrunk wouldn’t be complete without the matching toast.

Thatched Farmhouses at the Bad Zwischenahn Open-Air Museum

The farm complex in Bad Zwischenahn — well known far beyond northern Germany — consists of old thatched houses (“Eenrumhuus”, “Dweersack”) together with a traditional cottage garden, stables, and barns. All of the buildings once stood at other locations within the municipality and were faithfully rebuilt in the Strandpark between 1910 and 1941.

Rhodopark Gristede

The Rhodopark in Gristede offers garden lovers and rhododendron enthusiasts a true floral paradise in every season. Spread over a total area of 25 hectares, more than 1,000 rhododendrons and azaleas are on display here. Sheltered by elegant pine groves, the park is impressively designed with ponds, hedges, specimen trees, and a glass pavilion.

Park of Gardens

The Park of Gardens in Rostrup, Bad Zwischenahn, is Germany’s largest model garden complex and a popular destination for young and old alike. The 14-hectare site is made up of a total of 43 themed gardens, such as a Japanese garden and a wellness garden. Surrounded by all these beautiful sights, it makes for an absolutely idyllic spot for a picnic.

Ammerland-Klinik

The Ammerland-Klinik in Westerstede is a modern hospital providing specialised care, with a catchment area extending well beyond the region. With 370 beds, eight main departments, and three affiliated specialist departments, it offers a broad spectrum of diagnostics and treatment. Since June 2008, the Ammerland-Klinik has been cooperating with the Westerstede Federal Armed Forces Hospital under the name “Klinikzentrum Westerstede”. Are you visiting to support your loved ones? The Historische Gasthäuser am Markt in Westerstede offer you cosiness and comfort.

Tree Nurseries in the Ammerland

A major economic factor in the region is the more than 350 tree nurseries spread across 2,600 hectares — producing 90 percent of all rhododendron bushes and 75 percent of all outdoor azaleas grown in Germany. Guided tours of the nurseries are offered to interested visitors at many locations, all year round.

Oldenburg — The Shopping City

With around 170,000 inhabitants, Oldenburg is among the largest cities in Lower Saxony. Oldenburg has an extensive pedestrian zone with major stores such as the fashion retailer LEFFERS, and international chains like SØR, MANGO, and H&M are also represented. Ideal for a day of shopping. The Palace Gardens, the Everster Holz, and the Botanical Garden give the city centre a green frame.

The Seaport City of Emden

Emden’s history as a city is closely tied to its seaport. Emden’s many canals make it wonderful to explore from the water — by canoe or pedal boat. For a more leisurely pace, harbour and canal cruises are a great option. And fans of Otto shouldn’t miss “Dat Otto Huus” — the comedic epicentre of the local comedian Otto Waalkes. You can take in both nature and culture in a single day trip.