Freizeitpark Am Emsdeich

It’s all pastures, marshes and rivers in the surrounds, so it comes as little surprise to find that this is a fine part of the world for walks and bike rides. Ostfriesland has around 20 waymarked trails to follow on foot or bikes, several of them themed (including a geocaching route and one marked with representations of all the planets of the solar system). The area’s towns tend to be pretty places too: for a taste of traditional town life, aim for Leer (15 minutes’ drive), where there’s a castle, a handsome red brick town hall and (perhaps a tad incongruously) a tea museum. Canoe trips can be had here if you’d like to check out the surrounds while paddling. Looking further afield for your urban kicks, you may elect to head east to wander around Oldenburg’s Old Town (50 minutes’ drive) or glide over the border to the canals and cafés of Groningen (an hour).