Ostfriesland 2.0

Ostfriesland 2.0

Yesterday it was a long journey – but we arrived back in Carolinensiel without traffic or anything similar.

After a small walk along the Harle after dinner, it was time to SLEEP.

We were woken in the night by a one-hour thunderstorm. In the morning, the cries of crows and doves interrupted our sleep. After breakfast, we went to Funnix, where a beautiful church stands on a mound. The name of the place somehow reminds me of Asterix.

What is extraordinary is not the church tower, which, as often, stands next to the church nave, but the organ. This has been built on a separate “bridge”, thus initially blocking the view of the altar. The “bridge” is beautifully designed in various shades of blue. The pulpit is accessed via another staircase, also designed in blue. Nobody among the travelers can explain what kind of bird is at Mary’s feet. Above the pulpit hovers a dove, at least I can make that out. This little stop was worth it.

Next, we go to Wittmund. I have never traveled here before. In bright sunshine and temperatures like in the Rhine valley (around 30 degrees), the first temptation is a café with a cooler interior. Right at the entrance, there are wine bottles on display. Surprise: the wine comes from Baden, from the Kaiserstuhl region. What a coincidence! Later, I get more details from the winemaker present. His daughter came to Wittmund for love, set up this café, and serves the family's wine here.

Wittmund also has a beautiful old church. The special feature here can be found outside the church: the historically significant high point, from which the entire area was once surveyed. I can recommend looking it up on the internet. Unfortunately, the castle of Wittmund no longer exists. However, the park with old trees and the surrounding moat has been preserved and is a delight in these temperatures. Everywhere, people are sitting outside, enjoying sunshine, coffee or tea, and ice cream.

We continue our journey to Esens. Here, there are plenty of bears to admire. The story behind it: in the Middle Ages, a dancing bear saved the city of Esens from being captured during a siege. The people of Esens showed the enemy a bear – upon which the besiegers thought: Whoever can feed a bear has enough food to withstand our siege. The besiegers retreated, and Esens enjoyed its peace. Or something like that.

In the evening, we had a delicious dinner in Carolinensiel at Hotel/Restaurant 1780 – there’s always a good reason to celebrate. Then, we walked back along the harbor and slept wonderfully.

See you soon