In a nutshell
- In this article, we share 11 great things to do in East Frisia — chosen by a true East Frisian local.
- Our 5 absolute must-sees are Greetsiel Harbor, the Twin Mills, Lütetsburg Castle, St. Ludgeri’s Church, and the Leaning Tower of Suurhusen.
- We tell you exactly why each spot is worth visiting, what makes it special, and share personal tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
Top East Frisia Sights on the Map
On this map we’ve marked our top sights in East Frisia so you can get your bearings more easily.
Greetsiel Harbor
What do you need to know? Greetsiel is a small fishing village in the Krummhörn region. Here you’ll find a picturesque inland harbor with the largest cutter fleet in East Frisia.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Don’t miss the inland harbor, the fishing cutters, or the historic brick buildings. The whole vibe of the place is wonderfully laid-back — everyone just wants to stroll, look around, and soak it all in. Our top pick among the things to do in East Frisia!
Our tip: The harbor isn’t just about boats — there are also bistros right on the water. And they serve seriously delicious shrimp and fresh-caught fish.
Twin Mills Greetsiel
What do you need to know? The Twin Mills of Greetsiel are probably the most famous mills in East Frisia. They’ve stood side by side for over 160 years and are individually known as the Red Mill and the Green Mill.
Is it worth it? Totally! The Twin Mills are truly one of a kind. The Red Mill has been grinding since 1706 and you can buy freshly milled bread at the mill shop every day. The younger Green Mill is now a charming little tea room.
Our tip: At the Red Mill you can watch so-called night milling and see how fine flour is produced. Send inquiries to info@muehle-schoof.de
Leaning Tower of Suurhusen
What do you need to know? The Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, built in 1250, is not only incredibly old — it also easily outdoes the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This East Frisian church tower has a tilt of 5.19 degrees, while the tower in Pisa leans at just 3.97 degrees.
Is it worth it? If the Leaning Tower of Pisa is worth a visit, this one is even more so. And it’s not nearly as crowded here — in fact, you’ll almost never run into anyone. A real under-the-radar gem despite being so unique.
Our tip: Not only is the leaning tower a fantastic sight, but so is the old cemetery surrounding the church. Like the church building itself, it’s many hundreds of years old.
Lütetsburg Castle
What do you need to know? Lütetsburg Castle is a moated castle from 1790, located about five kilometers from Norden. The castle grounds cover a full 30 hectares and include a chapel, bridges, ponds, and an old private cemetery.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Lütetsburg Castle is absolutely dreamy. With the bridge over the moat, the small towers, and the expansive park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Jane Austen novel.
Our tip: Make sure to stop by the castle café. It’s not only totally idyllic — set in a lovely conservatory — but the cake is seriously delicious too.
Ludgeri Church Norden
What do you need to know? The Ludgeri Church, dating from the 13th century, stands on the historic market square in Norden and is the jewel of the city. There’s a tremendous amount of history packed inside, and you can feel it in every corner.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt! The Ludgeri Church is not only large but truly impressive — massive chandeliers, double-tiered pews, a wooden pulpit with fine carvings, and the famous Arp Schnitger organ. And that’s just a few of its highlights.
Our tip: With so many works of art and so much history, a guided tour is really worth your time. From Whitsun weekend through the end of September, you can join a free tour every Thursday.
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Moor Museum Moordorf
What do you need to know? The Moor Museum is a creative open-air museum and one of the most visited attractions in East Frisia. It depicts the 200-year history of life in the moors and is also known as the “Museum of Poverty.”
Is it worth it? No other museum in East Frisia is as lively and authentic! You squeeze into tiny clay houses full of straw, step inside fully furnished brick houses with gardens, and learn everything about life in a moor colony along the way.
Our tip: There’s even a sheep pasture — and the sheep absolutely love being petted. Don’t miss it.
Pilsum Lighthouse
What do you need to know? The Pilsum Lighthouse is Germany’s most famous lighthouse, and its striped sock-like paint job gives it real character. Fun fact: you can even get married here.
Is it worth it? 100%! The Pilsum Lighthouse is an East Frisian landmark and a fantastic photo opportunity. With a guided tour, you can also climb the 11-meter-tall tower. And the surrounding area is absolutely beautiful — sheep grazing on the dikes. How cool is that?!
State Museum Emden
What do you need to know? The State Museum in the Town Hall on the Delft is an art and cultural history collection covering East Frisian history — across a full 3,000 square meters of truly impressive exhibition space.
Is it worth it? At the State Museum Emden, it feels like there’s EVERYTHING to see. Our personal favorites, though, are definitely the bog body from Bernuthsfeld and the Emden armory with its 400-year-old swords.
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Evenburg
What do you need to know? Evenburg is a moated castle from the 17th century where the Count von Wedel family lived for many generations. No one lives here anymore — but you can visit.
Is it worth it? Evenburg looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale — ornate facades, numerous windows large and small, an English landscape garden, and nearly royal furnishings. A genuinely regal feeling right in the heart of East Frisia.
Seal Sanctuary Norddeich
What do you need to know? At the Seal Sanctuary Norddeich, orphaned seals are nursed back to health and raised. It’s a conservation project that protects the seal population and gives visitors a chance to get to know these animals and their habitat up close.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The seal sanctuary is a fantastic conservation project and honestly the most adorable East Frisia attraction of the lot. You can watch the seals up close and even catch feeding time.
Westgaster Mill Norden
What do you need to know? Strictly speaking, the Westgaster Mill isn’t just a mill — it’s a so-called 3-story smock mill with a wonderful connection to a historic miller’s house from 1863.
Is it worth it? Definitely! The Westgaster Mill makes for a great outing. You can tour the old mill, pick up regional products at the farm shop, and enjoy tea and delicious cake in the tea room inside the miller’s house.
Our tip: Near the Westgaster Mill lies the Norder Swan Pond — a wonderful spot for a walk and a genuine local favorite that most visitors never find.
