The motor ferry between Ditzum and Petkum makes the crossing a practical part of planning your trip: it takes about 20 minutes and carries pedestrians, cyclists and up to three cars. In Petkum, the ferry connection, the dike foreland along the Lower Ems and a church with a history of architecture and art offer distinct focal points. When choosing a holiday apartment, first consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on the landscape, routes or culture.
Getting here and getting around
There are car parking spaces at the Petkum ferry landing. The nearest bus stop is about a ten-minute walk away. If you plan to include the crossing in your journey, check the timetable in advance; the approximate 20-minute duration refers to the crossing itself.
Dike foreland and routes
The 200-hectare Petkum dike foreland stretches along the Lower Ems from Jarßum to Gandersum. Together with adjacent areas in the district of Leer, it was incorporated into the “Unterems” nature reserve by the ordinance of 30 May 2017. Near the protected area, there is a waiting shelter at the Petkum/Ditzum ferry port. Its design features the coats of arms of both villages, the redshank and avocet, bird species threatened in the region, and motifs from the surrounding landscape.
Seasonal route arrangements are important for cycling tours: the cycle path through the Petkum dike foreland, known as the Teekabfuhrweg, is open from 1 July to 30 September. From 1 October to 30 June, the alternative route runs on the inland side of the dike. The “Ditzum & Emden” option of the International Dollard Route is 32.2 kilometres long and passes through Petkum and Ditzum. Another named tour, “Around the Ems and Dollart,” runs from Leer through the Rheiderland, across the Ems, via Petkum and Kloster Thedinga, and back to Leer.
The church and the history of Petkum
The core of Petkum Church dates from the 13th century. A late Gothic polygonal choir was added to the east between 1470 and 1480; the church was renovated around 1750. Interior details include a Bentheim-type baptismal font from the first half of the 13th century and a sandstone relief from the late 15th century known as the “Petkum Epitaph.” The Grotian organ in St. Anthony’s Church in Emden-Petkum is also notable: the instrument dates from the 17th century. Together, the architecture, baptismal font, relief and organ offer various points of interest for a stay focused on cultural history.
Another local feature is the old Petkum sluice, which has become a decorative landmark. These historical and landscape themes complement practical route planning: you can focus your stay on the seasonally designated route or make Petkum’s architectural history the centrepiece.
More culture in the wider destination of Emden
In the wider destination of Emden, the Kunsthalle mainly presents Classical Modern art and has an affiliated art school. Dat Otto Huus documents the career of Emden comedian Otto Waalkes. Across two floors, it displays photographs and memorabilia from his life, films, well-known props from movies and tours, as well as awards and prizes.
The Emden Bunker Museum is housed in an authentic bunker on Holzsägerstraße. It traces the period from the beginning of National Socialism through the Second World War to Emden’s post-war reconstruction. Informative guided tours are available for groups in various formats, including outside regular opening hours; check the current options in advance. This adds a cultural programme specifically associated with Emden to Petkum’s local attractions.
Discover more destinations: Hilmarsum settlement, Wybelsum, Twixlum, Logumer Vorwerk, Emden, JarĂźum
Back to the main travel overview: Emden.
