The town of Jade is a gem, and I just love its motto of ruhig und gemütlich, or Quiet and Cozy for my English reading friends.
Yeah, that’s a nice name for Jade. But, don’t let quiet and cozy fool you into thinking Jade is some drab, dreary, and mundane place. Hell no, this town lies right along the Jade Bay, which is perfect for swimming (and beach parties). Well, from June to September — otherwise it can be a bit too fresh.
Swimming isn’t the only outdoor activity. Jade also sits within the Wadden Sea National Park, making it the right place to go mudflat hiking.
Even if you don’t want to do that, you got other outdoor recreational options. You can rent a canoe, go horseback riding, or take a bike tour. Two of Germany’s scenic routes come right through Jade, the German Sluice Route and Tour de Fries (a 250 km circular route — so you won’t get lost).
One exceptionally cool way of getting around Jade is the Jade Express, a train-looking “car” that’ll take you all around.
Hiking along the Salzwiesenpfad, a 5 km trail through salt marshes, truly is a breath of fresh air; and while you’re out there, look for the Weg ans Watt — some 13 sculptures that work in harmony with the environment.
Jade is a great place to go bird watching, by the way. It’s close to the Strohauser Plate, an island that sees a number of bird species (like eagles and geese); and is a nature reserve area as well.
FYI, a colony of heron have called the Nature Reserve Jaderberg home for more than five decades.
Another place to see some animals is the Jaderpark, an animal and amusement park in one. Think roller coasters meets lemurs, monkeys, and giraffes. The kids, no doubt, will love the petting zoo — but the entire park is well worth the couple of Euro entrance fee.
Ahhh, ladies, forget diamonds… let’s take the town of Jade. ;:-)
