Hilmarsum Settlement is surrounded by arable land and grassland. To the west, a public playground and a sports area adjoin the settlement; these include an attached football pitch and a nearby still body of water. The local character is therefore shaped by agriculture, complemented by a dedicated play and sports area.
Fields and Recreation Area
If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can use Hilmarsum’s rural character as a criterion when choosing a location. The play and sports area is on the western edge of the settlement. Individual play equipment may change; if the facilities are important for your visit, check their current condition in advance.
Paths and Landscape in the Emden Village Region
In the surrounding Emden village region, the Ems Riverside Route and paths along the Ems Side Canal make walks and bike rides possible. The canal connects the villages, but provides only limited direct access to the water. A path along the canal therefore does not mean that there is direct access to the riverbank everywhere.
In the Unterems Nature Reserve, salt marshes, tidal creeks and wide river mudflats shape the landscape and provide habitats for specialized animal species. Together with other areas outside the dikes along the Lower Ems, the reserve is internationally important for migratory and wintering birds. The cycle path across the foreland is open seasonally from July 1 to September 30. Check the nature reserve’s access times and rules before setting out.
The Friesenroute Rad up Pad offers another perspective on the landscape: it passes through twelve municipalities in the district of Aurich and the city of Emden, connects geest, marsh and moorland, and passes many sights.
Ferry Crossing for Cycling Routes
The Petkum–Ditzum ferry carries passengers, bicycles and cars across the Ems and is used by cyclists. The Ems Cycle Route and the cross-border Ems-Dollart Route also use this crossing. As ferry details can change seasonally, it is advisable to check the timetable before your trip.
Culture in the Wider Emden Destination
In the wider Emden destination, the Kunsthalle focuses on Classical Modern art and has an affiliated art school. Dat Otto Huus looks at 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. An art-focused collection and a biographical exhibition thus offer distinct cultural themes.
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 postwar reconstruction. The museum offers groups informative guided tours in various formats, including outside regular opening hours. As organizational details may change, groups should check them in advance.
The East Frisian State Museum Emden presents an art and cultural history collection described as unique in northwest Germany. Visitors can explore art and history across around 2,600 square metres. The collection includes the Emden Armoury, with 400-year-old swords, matchlock muskets and armour that reflect the city’s former armaments.
Emden also offers a way to explore maritime history: the Amrumbank lightship has been moored in the Ratsdelft since August 2, 1984, and is open to visitors. As a maritime history museum, it houses the oldest intact lightship engine installation. Access may vary seasonally, so check current visiting hours before your visit.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on: Hilmarsum’s rural character or the cultural and landscape attractions in the wider Emden destination. For specific plans, be sure to check both the ferry timetable and the seasonal opening of the cycle path across the foreland.
Discover more destinations: Wybelsum, Logumer Vorwerk, Twixlum, Emden, Petkum, JarĂźum
Back to the main travel overview: Emden.
