The flat, less-traveled back roads of East Frisia make for excellent cycling tours that attract novices and experts alike. The Fehnroute is one of the most popular trails, covering 162 kilometers and passing air locks, balance bridges, windmills and brick churches. Another is the Dollard Route, which covers a slightly longer path through unspoiled landscape.
Rentals can be done through the national railway Deutsche Bahn's Train and Bike Program. This allows you to rent bikes at nominal prices, put them on a train and use them again in another area without returning to the original location. There are 400 participating stations
Like so many other travelers to East Frisia, I discovered its charms by accident. My visit started as a sort of pilgrimage to see my fraternal grandfather's birthplace, the village of Wiesedermeer. East Frisian cousins welcomed me, even though they spoke no English whatsoever. They treated me to the traditional Frisian tea service, complete with thick cream and rock candy in the cup. As a seven year old, I remember my grandfather wanting rock candy with his tea. Now that makes sense.
Your reward for visiting East Frisia will be different, but no less enchanting. Americans attract attention because most East Frisian families have at least one branch that emigrated to places like Illinois or Nebraska. Canadians are honored guests because their invading soldiers mercifully spared the area additional destruction in the final days of World War II.
Go and enjoy the low prices, hospitality and quiet -- not necessarily in that order of priority. Europe's teeming tourist trails will be there when you return.
