Rhauderfehn is a jewel in the crown of the Leer District of Lower Saxony in what is considered to be part of Ostfriesland (East Frisia), a coastal region of Northern Germany.
Many in Rhauderfehn are the of the traditional seafaring stock since the area is full of tiny canals and so close to the North Sea. The little canals were cut out a few centuries ago for locals trying to cut peat for fuel, and now the landscape is dotted with romantic bridges, windmills and Gothic churches.
The 18th century Lutheran Church of Wesrhauderfehn and its 52 meter high tower (the highest in the East Frisia) and Guide Organ is one you’ll find here.
There’s a 162 kilometer cycle tour around the Ostfriesland area with more magnificent churches and Windmühlen (windmills). It shouldn’t be too difficult, the area is mainly flat making cycling the area quite easy.
For you seafood lovers, there’s probably no better place to be than Rhauderfehn. Some of the best regional food can be found here in the likes of fresh fish and crabs being so close to the sea. The marmalade and sausages are quite delicious too with all those locally grown ingredients!
And, in a country where coffee is king, here in East Frisia tea rules supreme, especially when the winter chills the air (that, however, freezes the canals and then everyone is out ice skating)! There’s even a special tea ceremony with a special blend of ten different teas served with a coarse white candy (called Kluntje) and cream. YUM!
The Fehn and Westrhauderfehn Naval Museum (this building from the turn of the last century was also used as a firehouse during the Second World War) has its very own tea room (sorry, only open Sundays) besides a regional history of ship building and fishing Rhauderfehn.
You’ll even find a wonderful castle not too far, the Evenburg Castle in Leer, built by a Dutch Colonel (Rhauderfehn borders the Netherlands) for his wife in the mid 17th century. You know, the Colonel must have truly been head-over-heels for his bride when you see the marvelous cream colored palace and gardens.
Once you’re there you too will scream, “Honey, I’m home!” ;-)
