From the old dyke, the U-shaped recess for the former harbour basin can be seen at the dyke gate in Friederikensiel. The sluice in Friederikensiel was built in 1721 during the embankment of the Friederikengroden. Those interested in how the coastal landscape was formed will find two concrete historical points of reference here: a visible harbour shape and a dated embankment.
Cycling routes and tours
The Wangerland Pilgrimage Route is a 46.26 km circular route of moderate difficulty for bicycles. It leads to the coastal protection camp in Friederikensiel and provides information about the function of the surrounding dykes. Another cycling option is the Schillig-Hooksiel circular tour, which passes through Mederns, Funnen and Friederikensiel. The Watt'n Express goes to Friederikensiel on its two-hour tour, with Friederikensiel as the furthest destination on its round trip. It shares information about the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, salt marshes, tides, dyke construction, marsh landscapes, agriculture and alternative energy production. For planning purposes, these offer different measures: 46.26 km for the pilgrimage route and two hours for the Watt'n Express.
Coastal protection and landscape
The Elisabethgrodendeich Coastal Protection Camp lies in the area north of Friederikensiel. Information boards there explain dyke construction and coastal protection in the former Harle Bay. The camp also has an observation mound about ten metres high. From there, the expansive view stretches across Elisabethgroden, Elisabethaußengroden and the Wadden Sea to the island of Wangerooge. The explanatory boards and the view of these named landscapes thus offer two different ways to explore coastal protection.
Flowers, crafts and fish
At the adjacent flower field, visitors can put together their own bouquets from a variety of flowers. At the “White House” in Friederikensiel, Cathrin von Cersten makes ceramics, jewellery and floral works by hand. The flower field invites visitors to create their own arrangements, while the studio offers handcrafted pieces.
The Friederikensiel Dyke Smokehouse offers freshly smoked eel, salmon, trout and mackerel several times a week. These are served with crispy bread rolls from the bakery or fish rolls, as well as coffee, non-alcoholic cold drinks and regional Jever Pils. Fish products and fish rolls can also be wrapped to take away. If you plan to visit the flower field or smokehouse, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information; the smokehouse’s operating details may change.
More to explore in the wider Wangerland destination
The wider destination of Wangerland also offers more topics to explore. The Wangerland National Park House in Minsen has around 250 m² of exhibition space, with multimedia ways to actively experience and discover the Wadden Sea. Renewable energy and climate protection are also among the exhibition topics. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The beach in Horumersiel is a green beach with soft grass right by the North Sea, offering an alternative to a sandy beach. The Shell Museum in Hooksiel displays exhibits ranging from tiny snails to shells larger than the palm of a hand. These examples give Wangerland its own cultural and landscape themes alongside coastal protection and cycling.
Various walking routes around Lake Wangermeer invite visitors to take extended tours and enjoy varied views of the lake’s natural surroundings. A large, round island in the middle of Lake Wangermeer can be reached on foot or by bicycle via a 325-metre-long promenade bridge. Many bird species, including rare ones, have settled around the lake; it is also a habitat for a wide variety of fish. Check the latest route information on site before setting out. The inland lakes Wangermeer and Hooksmeer also offer water sports that are independent of the tides. The activities available and how they are organised may vary depending on the season.
Discover more destinations: Hohenkirchen, Oldorf, Wangerland, Schortens, Jever, Bockhorn, Sande.
Go to the wider travel overview: Friesland.
