64
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!