The Wadden Sea, green marshlands, quiet moors and lively harbour towns shape the landscapes along the Tour de Fries. Friesland also offers a range of cultural discoveries within easy reach of one another, from a medieval castle museum to a reconstructed classroom. The region combines experiences in nature with insights into its history and culture.
Discover Friesland by Bike
The Tour de Fries is a circular cycling route of around 280 kilometres through Friesland’s characteristic landscapes. Its stages range from 35 to 55 kilometres; the route has few gradients and uses roads with little traffic. The length of the circuit and the stage distances give you a practical guide when planning a cycling trip. Check the conditions of the relevant routes before setting off.
The Friesland section of the North Sea Cycle Route runs from Harlesiel to Varel. It connects the Frisian hinterland, maritime harbour towns and the vast expanse of the Wadden Sea. Flat routes and clear signposting make for relaxed cycling, with wide-open views across the Frisian landscape. As local signposting may change, it is worth checking the latest notices before setting off.
Woodlands and Protected Areas in the Frisian Wehde
At the heart of the 660-hectare “Neuenburger Holz” landscape conservation area lies the 48.5-hectare “Neuenburger Urwald” nature reserve. It is situated in the Frisian Wehde, surrounded by the villages of Neuenburg, Zetel and Bockhorn. The nature reserve’s designation is NSG WE 64. Check the local access rules before visiting.
Castle History and Exhibitions
Jever Castle and its surrounding landscape park are among the important cultural monuments in north-western Germany. The medieval building is now home to a museum with a long-established historical collection. The permanent exhibition provides an overview of the history of the Lordship of Jever, as well as regional and state history. Temporary exhibitions, events and cultural activities round out the programme; check specific dates in advance.
In Dangast, the Franz Radziwill House preserves one of the few artists’ houses in the world to have survived in its original condition. Also in Dangast, the National Park House is located in the old village school at the entrance to the village. Regular public guided tours are available. Group and school class events take place year-round by individual appointment. Check the schedule before planning your visit.
The Northwest German School Museum in Bohlenbergerfeld centres on an original reconstructed classroom from 1910. Visitors can experiment with equipment and multimedia stations. The Varel Local History Museum offers a different perspective on the town’s history: its exhibition of local history features artefacts from the last 300 years of Varel’s history and is located at Neumarktplatz 5.
Brewery Tours and Activities on the Water
The Friesisches Brauhaus zu Jever offers a two-hour tour featuring a historic brewery museum, a modern brewing facility and a beer tasting. The tour shows how beer is produced, from the brew house to bottling, where up to 60,000 bottles of Jever are filled per hour. Check whether the tour is available before travelling.
Water sports, cycling and hiking tours are available at the Wangermeer in Hohenkirchen. Alongside cycling routes and cultural attractions, these offer further ways to explore the region, with options to suit a range of interests.
Discover more destinations: Bockhorn, Zetel, Varel, Jever, Schortens, Wangerland, Bockhornerfeld, Grabstede, Minsen, Oldorf, Hohenkirchen, Friederikensiel, Sande, Wangerland.
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