Eastern Friesland

We went to explore the region of Krummhörn, a remote area of Eastern Friesland (Ostfriesland) in the northwest of Germany, bordering the Netherlands at the mouth of the river Ems.
Pilsum lighthouse


What is the most tilted tower in the world? If you think it is the leaning tower of Pisa you are mistaken. The church tower of Suurhusen holds the world record with an overhang of 2.47 metres!

The church was built in the Middle Ages in marshy land on foundations of oak tree trunks which were preserved by groundwater. When the land was drained in the 19th century the wood rotted, causing the tower to tilt.

As it is surrounded by trees it is difficult to picture the tilt

Proof of the world record

Our next stop was at Greetsiel, the only town in the Krummhörn area which still has a harbour. It is a picturesque little town well visited by tourists.

Harbour of Greetsiel

Crab cutter at the fishing harbour

We couldn’t resist homemade cakes with plums

East Frisian tea house

Old fisherman house behind the dyke

Pilsumer lighthouse – one of the most famous landmarks in East Friesland

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