Overlooking the North Sea and the Frisian Islands, Norden is a coastal town in the north-west of Germany. The region’s cultural heritage is showcased at the East Frisian Tea Museum while the beachside district boasts family-friendly attractions that include a seal rescue organisation.

Things to do

In the heart of Norden is the East Frisian Tea Museum, which explores the tea culture of East Frisia and the history of tea cultivation throughout Asia. It occupies Norden’s old town hall and features fascinating exhibits, which range from fine porcelain teacups to explanations of the long-distance trade routes that transported tea from Asia to Europe. On select days, traditional tea ceremonies are held where you can sample authentic East Frisian tea.

The East Frisian Tea Museum also features a city history department where you can take a step back in time to discover 5,000 years of settlement in the region. Learn about the earliest evidence of human life on the North Sea coast and experience life for the upper class during the 17th century, then wander through the recreated workshops of goldsmiths, porcelain painters and teapot makers.

For a day at the beach, head to the Strand Norddeich, a wide stretch of sand backed by a blue tower offering elevated North Sea views. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Erlebnispark Norddeich, which features a maze and a miniature golf course, or stop by the Seehundstation where orphaned seals are rehabilitated.

Getting around

Norden is around 30 minutes’ drive from Emden and two hours from Bremen Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Norden railway station before continuing to the Norddeich Mole railway station, which serves ferries travelling to the island of Norderney. Buses travel throughout Norden.