Cycling
East Frisia is a magnificent area to explore by bicycle. From the hotel, the North Sea coast is an easy ride along flat cycle paths. In places you can cycle along the top of the dyke, with sweeping views across the North Sea. The landscape in the area is constantly changing, from dunes and dykes to meadows, farms and characterful little villages.
Museum Leben am Meer (2 km)
The Museum Leben am Meer tells the remarkable story of this region\'s ongoing battle against the water. In the past, rising sea levels and floods have swallowed up parts of the coastal landscape and even entire settlements. The museum displays archaeological finds from these lost landscapes. It also explores the history of Esens and everyday life in the region.
Bensersiel (5 km)
Visit the charming seaside village of Bensersiel, right on the North Sea. You can enjoy wonderful walks along the coast. The view keeps changing as you go. On one side lie the countryside and the green dykes, and on the other the wide expanse of the Wadden Sea. Lots of fishing boats are moored in the harbour, giving the village a cosy, authentic feel. In the centre you will find a range of café terraces, shops and restaurants. It makes a lovely destination for a relaxing day out.
Nationalpark-Haus Wattenhuus Bensersiel (5 km)
The Nationalpark-Haus Wattenhuus Bensersiel is the ideal place to find out more about the remarkable natural world of the Wadden Sea. The information and visitor centre is devoted entirely to the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its interactive displays show how special this coastal area is. Here you can learn more about the animals and plants that live in and around the Wadden Sea, the effect of the tides and the importance of protecting both nature and the coast.
Planetenpfad (6 km)
The Planetenpfad, a planet trail for cyclists and walkers, runs between Bensersiel and Neuharlingersiel. The route is laid out as a scale model of the solar system, so the distances between the information points give you a sense of just how vast space is. Starting at the sun, you walk or cycle along the dyke past all the planets, each with its own information board.
Day trip to a Wadden island (6 km)
The ferry to the Wadden island of Langeoog departs from the nearby harbour in Bensersiel. After a 30- to 45-minute crossing, the island train takes you from the harbour into the centre of Langeoog. From Neuharlingersiel, a 45-minute crossing takes you to the island of Spiekeroog. Both islands are car-free, which helps make them ideal for exploring by bicycle or strolling along the beach.
Haustierpark Werdum (10 km)
Haustierpark Werdum is a small farm park. Here you can admire rare and traditional breeds of farm animal that are at risk of extinction. The aim is to preserve these special breeds and to introduce visitors to the animals and their history. The animals here include donkeys, sheep, goats and pigs, as well as unusual breeds of chicken and goose. A lovely place for a relaxing day out.
Boat trips (6 km)
A range of impressive boat trips set out from Bensersiel harbour onto the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. There is no better way to see the area at its most beautiful. During the trip, a guide tells you about the mudflats, the wildlife and how the tides work. You can also join a seal-watching boat trip.
Aurich (26 km)
Aurich is a welcoming, atmospheric town in the heart of East Frisia. Distinctive buildings give the historic centre its character. The market square, home to the imposing Lambertikirche, is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurich makes for a great day out.
Moormuseum Moordorf (29 km)
This fascinating open-air museum in Moordorf tells the story of the people who once lived in the vast East Frisian peatlands. The site features historic peat workers\' cottages, barns and other buildings. Follow the footpaths to discover how the peat was cut and the bog reclaimed, and how the inhabitants depended on the landscape in their daily lives. The museum is closed in winter.
Schlossmuseum Jever (30 km)
The Schlossmuseum is housed in Jever\'s impressive castle, right in the historic town centre. Inside, you can discover the history of Jever and East Frisia, including life at court, the town\'s development and the region\'s culture. Set in a beautiful park, the castle is not only an interesting place for history lovers but also an ideal spot for a walk.