Welcome to Ostrhauderfehn in East Frisia! This is a place where tea rules the clock Lake IDA rules recreational fun, and you might not understand a word that’s being said.
What does that mean to you? My best professional opinion is Ostrhauderfehn is a dandy town with lots of fun festivals and good food. My personal opinion? This place is so wonderful — you’ll have a blast!
Being so north in Germany, if you come in the winter you can expect to find some colder weather. Great if you like it and a bit bone chilling if you prefer it warmer. Drinking tea throughout the day will certainly warm you up when that winter chill has gotten into your bones. OK, the tea is usually spiked with some rum this time of year to warm up the insides.
I told you tea rules the clock — tea is the beverage of choice around here and is enjoyed for breakfast, in the afternoon (sounds a bit British if you ask me), and in the mid-evening; sweetened with a rock candy (called Kluntje) and heavy cream. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in Germany.
Traditional sightseeing around Ostrhauderfehn won’t take too long with a visit to the old Dutchman Windmill, the Gulf House farm, and an air-lock at Hauptfehnkanal. Stop at the Tourist Information Center (Hauptstraße 115) for directions to all to these sites.
Cycling is always a brilliant idea and the 100 kilometer Moorland Experience Route comes right through town, winding its way through East Frisia and the Oldenburg Münsterland. You’ll find walking paths along this route, too.
You’ll also find that East Frisian is spoken these parts. OK, it’s actually East Frisian Low Saxon spoken here; and even if you don’t speak the lingo you’ll still be just fine. Sitting around IDA Lake doesn’t take any foreign language skills — just sit in your speedo or bikini and look pretty.
Better find out the German or East Frisian word for STOP if you’re water skiing out on Lake IDA. The June Run around IDA Lake is one of the most popular festivals and you don’t have to actually RUN. Any mode of transport around the lake is acceptable, including Nordic Walking and cycling.
Come to the lake in August for the Grill Evening, where campfires and music are the main attraction. September brings campers from as far as the Netherlands for the Campers Weekend.
But, it’s the Stutenkerl that’s everyone comes for at the Stutenkerlmarkt on the 1st weekend of Advent (about 4 weeks before Christmas). Have some tea with the Stutenkerl (a cookie in the shape of a gingerbread man) freshly made by the local bakery.
Don’t confuse the Stutenkernmarkt with the annual Christmas Market in December where the wine flows and Santa makes an appearance.
I think Ho-Ho-Ho translates in any language; and wonder if Santa spikes his tea with rum?
