The culture of East Frisia in Lower Saxony, where you’ll find the town of Großheide, is unlike other parts of Germany. There aren’t majestic Alps rising above mirror lakes, nor will you find German scenic routes like the Lutherweg that follow along in the footsteps of historic figures.
Großheide, only about 10km from Norden, is a real working class town; a place where the North Sea winds sweep down, folks speak Low German, and just about everyone goes peat bog hiking.
This is my kind of place — charming, rustic, and a place where you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. I sure hope you like it. ;-)
Before you ask, yes, I said peat bog hiking. Sounds kind of odd, doesn’t it.
Well, these wetlands (created thousands of years ago out of plant material) that are famous throughout North Germany are the ultimate in hiking some interesting scenery though the moorlands and the East Frisian Geest.
Großheide’s Forest & Moor Museum is a great place to learn more about the bog. It’s open everyday from June to September and from October to May on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Hey, since you’re so close to the North Sea, you could always go mudflat hiking. Haven’t heard of that either? Oh, that’s when you walk out over the exposed sea floor of the North Sea when the tide goes out — even going all the way over to the Frisian Islands like Langeoog and Spiekeroog.
Hiking through peat bogs and along the mudflats of the sea sure is a lot of fun. But, if you come back to town you’ll see there’s a lot more to town than just its peat — like its 2-story Gallery Dutch Windmill.
For Großheide’s medieval history, there’s a 12th century Romanesque church.
Don’t get too excited thinking Schloss Großheide is a medieval building… it’s not. Now a children’s home, it was originally a farm; and built long (long, long) after the Middle Ages were over. It’s still a beautiful building though. :-)
Another thing you might notice about Großheide is that this is a tea drinking part of the country. As much as I love a good cup of java as the next person, you gotta try the tea sweetened with a rock candy called Kluntjes. For those cold blustery winter days, the tea’s spiked with rum to warm up the insides.
Come Easter when everyone gathers for the annual Easter Bonfire. It’s great fun for everyone — and a great reason to sit around drinking rum laced tea & talking with the neighbors.
I told you this is the kind of place! ;-)
