Emden offers different ways to explore art, local history and maritime themes. Classical Modernism is at the heart of the Kunsthalle, while museums and ships offer insights into other chapters of the city’s past. Then there are the canals: you can experience them on a canal cruise or from the water in a canoe or pedal boat. Which of these perspectives you explore further depends on whether you are more interested in collections, historic sites or activities on the water.
Art, Collections and Local History
The Kunsthalle Emden mainly showcases Classical Modernist art and has an affiliated art school. The East Frisian State Museum Emden offers a broader art and cultural history perspective: visitors can explore art and history across around 2,600 square metres. Its collection is considered unique in north-west Germany. An observation platform at a height of 38 metres is located just below the tower’s carillon; from there, you can enjoy views across the city and countryside.
The Emden Armoury is also part of the state museum. Its 400-year-old swords, matchlock muskets and armour reflect the city’s former armaments. The collection thus brings art and cultural history together with tangible evidence of the city’s past. The Johannes a Lasco Library adds a long institutional history to this picture: it was founded in the Reformed congregation in 1559 and is considered the oldest library in East Frisia. Its holdings include valuable historical books, an encyclopaedic collection covering all fields of scholarship, and the Emden Bible.
The Neue Kirche also combines history with cultural use. It is considered the oldest Reformed preaching church in northern Germany and hosts cultural events. The Johannes a Lasco Library also serves as a venue for concerts and conferences. If you would like to get to know Emden not only through its collections but also through events, you will find a range of cultural points of interest.
Museums and Maritime Heritage
Dat Otto Huus documents the career of Emden comedian Otto Waalkes. Across two floors, you can see photographs and mementos from his life, films, well-known props from movies and tours, as well as awards and prizes. The exhibition ranges from personal memories to objects from stage and film performances.
The Emden Bunker Museum is housed in an authentic bunker on Holzsägerstraße. It brings to life the period from the beginning of National Socialism through the Second World War to Emden’s post-war reconstruction. The museum offers groups informative guided tours in various formats, including outside regular opening hours. As arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest details in advance.
Several ships with different historical connections are moored at the Ratsdelft. The Amrumbank lightship museum has been there since 2 August 1984 and is open to visitors. As a museum of maritime history, it has the oldest intact lightship engine room. Visiting opportunities may vary seasonally, so check the latest information before your visit. The Georg Breusing lifeboat is also at the Ratsdelft. This maritime monument is particularly notable for its nautical equipment, engine rooms and crew quarters.
The AE 7-Stadt Emden herring logger has been a museum ship at the Ratsdelft since spring 1995, offering a look back at the once-large herring fishery. Alongside the Amrumbank and Georg Breusing, it highlights different aspects of maritime and fishing history. The Bunker Museum offers a different focus, tracing political and urban history from National Socialism through the post-war period.
On the Water, by Bike and on Seasonal Outings
On bookable canal cruises, the MB “Schreyershoek” travels through the city’s canals. The cruises start and end at the Ratsdelft. As timetables may change, it is a good idea to check the latest times before your trip. If you would rather explore the canals on your own, you can also go canoeing or take a pedal boat in Emden.
For a longer-ranging view of the landscape, the Friesenroute Rad up Pad cycle route passes through the city of Emden and twelve municipalities in the district of Aurich. The route connects geest, marsh and moorland, passing many sights along the way. Its different landscape types and the links between places along the route give this bike ride a different character from the city’s canal cruises.
Another seasonal option is the Emden miniature steam railway: from April to September, visitors can ride small trains around the site on approximately 750 metres of track. The International Filmfest Emden-Norderney is another event to consider; it is one of the internationally recognised film festivals in Germany. The programme and dates vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the latest dates.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: JarĂźum, Siedlung Hilmarsum, Logumer Vorwerk, Petkum, Twixlum, Wybelsum.
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