Just south of East Frisia and the North Sea are the thirteen local districts of Barßel.
Don’t go expecting a huge city or even a suburb — this is some real rural countryside; great for camping and canoeing. Plus, Barßel does have some informative and educational “objects of interest.”
However, everything about this places just screams for you to enjoy the great outdoors — so pack a good pair of comfortable sneakers and some sunscreen.
If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, then renting a boat or canoe is just what the doctor ordered. But, a quiet leisurely ride on the passenger ship — the MS Spitzhörn — can be just as wonderful. For a workout and an all-around good time, head out on the water on a paddleboat. If you prefer to stay on dry-land, bicycle rentals are available, too.
Did I mention there’s great fishing? In keeping with the outdoorsy theme, camping facilities are all around with tents and RV sites all around. Oh, think of how delicious that fish you caught earlier will taste cooked over a campfire! Hmmm…
If you think life around the Zandersee is beautiful from the ground, you should see it from above. A number of hiking trails lead off to Barßel’s observation tower, for an eagle-eye view of Lower Saxony‘s countryside.
Barßel isn’t all sport and recreation; it has plenty to engage the mind, too (and great photo ops). Nowhere better to do this than a visit to Christ Church, the Peat & Coke factory (not the soda), and the canal which can all be found in the village of Elisabethfehn.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the Moorland and Fehn Museum — but don’t you forget to go see it! ;-)
Keep a look out for the Ebkens Windmill, a Dutch styled windmill built in the early 1700’s. It’ll make a charming (romantic, fun) snapshot to take back home with you.
Barßel’s great location close to Cloppenburg, Oldenburg, Papenburg, and Westerstede make getting here easy enough; since they’re only about a half-hour away from all directions — making it all the better to get here and enjoy!
