Emsfahrt Leer - Ditzum, zum Hafenfest
At Ernst-Reuter-Platz in Leer, you are warmly welcomed on board the twin-screw steamship PRINZ HEINRICH. From the upper deck or from the beautiful salon, you can observe the departure maneuver for the approximately 4-hour journey to Ditzum. The steam whistle signals the opening of the town hall bridge for onward travel to the tidal lock in Leer. After the lock maneuver, you will steam past the old fortress Leerort on the Leda River towards the Ems River in the direction of Emden. While enjoying coffee and small snacks from the onboard kitchen, you will experience the passage through the opened Jann-Berghaus Bridge. On the route of the ocean giants built at Meyer Werft, you will pass Jemgum and Terborg heading towards Gandersum. During the steamboat journey, we invite you to join a tour of the ship. Feel free to take a look at the historic wheelhouse with the huge steering wheel and the two engine telegraphs. Also, take a peek into the engine room, where the two steam engines are operated by the engineers.
After passing through the Ems barrier, the port of Ditzum is already in sight (in the "Friesland" crime novels, the "Port of Leer"). Perhaps we have the opportunity with the PRINZ HEINRICH to accompany the "fishing boat parade" of Ditzum fishermen during the harbor festival on the Ems. The maneuver at the outer dock of the fishing village will be exciting. Now you are only a few steps away from the bustling activity of the harbor festival. Around the harbor, snack stalls and an arts and farmers' market invite you to browse and sample. But the many small alleys and restaurants in the vicinity of the harbor also offer opportunities to explore the cozy fishing village in the Rheiderland at a leisurely pace, such as visiting the bottle ship museum, the windmill, or the old church.
If you would like to conclude your trip here, you could either take the public bus back to Leer (please check the current Saturday schedule of line 605, VEJ, Leda Bus) or cycle back with your (own or rented in Ditzum) bicycle.
Bicycle transportation on board is possible in limited capacity: please book a bicycle ticket. Bicycles can be rented at the Paddel-und-Pedal Station Ditzum (return in Leer), Tel. 0151 56182754.
At 18:30, the PRINZ HEINRICH will set off again for the onward journey to Emden (outer port, extra ticket required).
Admission: 10:00 AM