Located on the Jade Bay on the North Sea coast, there’s no getting beyond the nautical in Wilhelmshaven, one of the youngest towns in Germany.
It has now graduated from a naval port to an oil terminal and a hub of industry. But don’t let it deter you from enjoying the unique bounties of this old world port town.
The Town Hall is as good a place as any to begin your tour of Wilhelmshaven. Contrary to expectations, it is not a medieval building but one constructed in the 1920s in clinker brick. It does have a high tower which offers magnificent views of the port and surrounding areas.
As you make your way east from here, you come to the Kurpark. For in-depth information on the North Sea Coast nautical history, you need to visit the City Haus which is to the north of the Town Hall and where the Coast Museum is located.
To the south of the youngish town is where you’ll find the port. A fascinating sight here would be Küstenmuseum am Bontekai or the museum ships that offer plenty of scope for browsing. In the vicinity adding to the atmosphere is an old steam engine straddling a disused track.
The Piratenmuseum would surely be an exciting venue if you’re traveling with children, or even otherwise. Down the road is the Aquarium with a fascinating collection of marine life. Visit the Wattenmeerhaus to view the wonderful exhibits on show.
More marine exhibits are on offer at the Deutsches Marine museum in Südstrand. The Leuchtturm Arngast is yet another impressive sight as it looms against the sky.
For a break from all that marine activity, you could visit the Botanischer Garten or the Botanical Garden for a colorful and fragrant experience that relaxes and rejuvenates. Visit the Rüstringer Berg lookout point for more relaxation and to appreciate the beauty of the Lower Saxony countryside.
