Cycling sans frontières, with the wind at your back
The German Fen Route derives its name from the Dutch word "fehn", meaning fen or marshland. It refers to a particular method of cultivation in use during the 17th century that involved digging canals and secondary canals to drain areas of marshland. Several places along the route still retain this word as part of their name. Roughly 65 km south of the North Sea coast in the southern part of East Friesland, this is a well-signposted cycle circuit running approx. 163 km through what used to be tracts of marshland. Canals, locks, bascule bridges, ancient brick churches and proud windmills all line the route. The countryside is so flat here that people joke about being able to see in the morning who is coming for afternoon tea. The magnificent views stretching all the way to the horizon awaken feelings of space, freedom and grandeur.
Discover this wonderful cycling terrain for yourself and experience the tangy charm of the windswept polder landscape with its magnificent farmhouses. "Moin, Moin" is a typical northwest German greeting that you will hear over and over again as you explore the expanses of East Friesland fen country by bike. There are leisurely, level cycle trails criss-crossing the whole of this countryside. Its original character remains very well preserved, even today, enabling visitors to experience genuine hospitality and real treats for the tastebuds. Cyclists who would rather not be completely worn out after a lengthy tour would be well advised to cycle from west to east. As the sea breeze usually blows from a westerly direction, it is a good idea to use the tail wind to advantage. The International Dollart Route is an integrated, cross-border route that runs for approx. 180 km and introduces visitors to both the German and Dutch Rheiderland. It involves crossing the Dollart by boat and is especially popular with people who enjoy a two-country holiday. If you are looking for some holiday action in addition to cycling, this region also offers plenty of waters for angling, bridle paths and attractions that have been refurbished as part of the "paddle and pedal nature experience" project.
There are also numerous watersports opportunities. Coach and boat tours are excellent ways to get some impression of the uniqueness of Germany's fen country, including the special method of reclaiming marshland for agriculture. A vintage car club based along this route holds a vintage car rally every two years (May-June) – a real treat for motor sport fans. All tastes are catered for – OK then, let's get going!
