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Later , we were treated to really unique experience - a ride on a “ Torfkahn ” peat tub over the River Hamme . In the period between the mid-18th century and early 20th century , these oak boats with brown sails were the only means of transportation in the marsh-filled land north-east of the city of Bremen and were originally used to haul peat to the more remote regions , but are now a must-do tourist attraction . This is a wonderful boat ride along the river , and the gentle journey on a sunny day was an excellent start to this laid back and pleasant tour .
With that mellow day behind us , we enjoyed a dinner at the Restaurant Hammehütte Neu Helgoland . Perfectly placed , this restaurant was beside the canal with a view of the beautiful forest countryside . Its was typically German , not only because of the wonderful local beers , delicious sausages and scrumptious deserts on the menu , but also due to the second to none service and ambiance .
Our evening was spent at the historic Hotel Buchenhof , which was a treat , indeed . The very well maintained building with antique furniture is surrounded by lovely forests and gardens .
The hotel is a great base of operations to visit all the museums and galleries in town or even to come back to after a cycling tour into the moor .
Our next stop would be the seaside town of Cuxhaven , and it was a highlight of the trip . With the low tide , we could walk on the ocean floor for a couple of hours with a beautiful warm breeze to accompany us . The soft , sandy soil and a bright sun made it quite the memorable moment . We could have walked for hours along a marked trail and visit other sand bars or , as some others did , take a horse drawn cart along the way . It is clear why this is vacation land for Germans , as it is the only place within the country that meets the Atlantic . Our guide talked for ever about the many sea creatures that live in these waters .
We had a chance to visit the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Centre , which is perfectly placed in the Wadden Sea national park itself , right at the entrance to Sahlenburg beach and the Wadden Path to Neuwerk . From here we had a guided tour among the 2000 square metre exhibition , the 100 year old bird warden ' s hut , and the bird collection of Heinrich Gätke , founder of the bird observatory on the island of Helgoland , among many other interesting exhibitions . After that , we had a great lunch of herring and other fresh , locally sourced seafood at the visitor centre . Once full , we went on a guided city tour Cuxhaven . Situated on the shores of the North Sea at the mouth of the Elbe River , and including the northernmost point of Lower Saxony , its town districts Duhnen , Döse and Sahlenburg are especially popular vacation spots on the North Sea .
This is a city known for several reasons , including as a port for Germans leaving for the new world and for its very long , sandy coastline with many hotels . It is extremely popular with summer sunbathers and Duhnen also offers access to the Thalassozentrum ahoi complex , a spa and wellness centre - a great way to relax in a well maintained and popular pool complex . After the tour , we enjoyed the Thalassozentrum ’ s bath and sauna area , very , very much … Please do not forget to bring your swimwear !