Emden is a small city (about 50,000 inhabitants) located in Lower Saxony, in northwestern Germany, right on the border with the Netherlands. Significantly, it is a major seaport built where the Ems River flows into the North Sea. It was the activities and events associated with shipping and port life that determined the fate of the residents of this locality for generations. Today, maritime accents can be admired in many places in Emden.
The town's origins are not exactly known, but historians estimate that Emden existed under various names as early as the 8th century. An important stage in the development of the town was the 16th century. It was then that the port of Emden grew in importance, and at the same time the city became an important point on the map of religious changes sweeping across the Old Continent at the time. Today, the city's growth is driven by two sectors: shipbuilding and automotive. The city also has quite a bit to offer in terms of tourism. You can enjoy fine dining, admire historic buildings and take a cruise on the local canals. It would be best to start your trip with a visit to the tourist information desk, which is located near the train station (Bahnhofsplatz 11, 26721 Emden Germany).
What to visit in Emden Germany?
Fans of wide-ranging shipping will not be disappointed by a stay in Emden. Quite a few places relating to the theme of open-water shipping await them here. One of them is the Freunde der Seefahrt Maritime Museum, founded in 2004. Another museum object with a similar theme is the floating museum lighthouse "Amrumbank German Bight." Right next door, tourists can also admire the Sea Rescue Cruiser Georg Breusing.
Another interesting museum in Emden is the Das Otto Huus facility, dedicated to the famous German comedian Otto Waalkes, a native of Emden. The building houses a small museum, an apartment and a store. A distinctive elephant, one of the characters created by the artist, "sticks out" from the facade of the building. Also impressive is the Library of Jan Laski (Johannes a Lasco Library), a Polish Catholic priest who became a staunch promoter of Calvinism in Poland. Laski also made considerable contributions to the development of democracy, the Polish language and writing. Lovers of contemporary art, on the other hand, shouldn't miss the Kunsthalle, which houses works by artists working in the 20th and 21st centuries.
There's a lot going on in this relatively small city! Emden hosts numerous events that attract tourists and visitors from other regions. The events are truly wide-ranging, as exemplified by a film festival, a rowing competition, a Christmas market, museum night, a street art festival, a Thanksgiving festival, an international blues festival, a May market or an antique car rally.
Emden is also famous for its many dining establishments, whose chefs conquer the taste buds of the most discriminating gourmets. Among the most recommended establishments in the city are the restaurants: Hafenhaus, Strandlust, Osterburg, Fährhaus. As befits a port town, Emden is also home to several restaurants serving fish in various forms and seafood: Emder Herring Logger, Greetje, Emder Fischerstube and a restaurant operating on the aforementioned ship - a floating lighthouse.
Emden - Buses and Buses - Transport
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