Holiday Tips

The Bockhorn Water Park

On warm summer days, the Bockhorn Water Park is an ideal day-out destination for the whole family. Just a few minutes’ walk from our holiday flat, you’ll find a modern, heated outdoor pool in a beautiful setting right next to the Bockhorn Primeval Forest.
The pool offers plenty of attractions for young and old alike: a giant slide provides fun and excitement, whilst bubbling floor jets, splash showers and the diving area – complete with diving blocks, a 1-metre springboard and a 3-metre tower – ensure plenty of variety in the water. Thanks to the heating, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing day at the pool, even on slightly cooler days.
The spacious grounds feature a children’s playground with a water play area, large sunbathing lawns for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as a volleyball court and table tennis tables for sporting activities. The modern facilities are also designed to be accessible, ensuring a pleasant visit for all guests.
The water park is open during the summer months from May to September and is one of the region’s most popular leisure attractions. For groups, clubs or birthday parties, you can even hire the barbecue pavilion – a lovely way to round off a successful day at the pool together.

Our tip: Combine a visit to the water park with a walk through the nearby Bockhorn Primeval Forest and enjoy a varied day out full of relaxation, nature and swimming fun.

Dangast – North Sea charm, art and nature
A visit to the North Sea resort of Dangast is one of the most enjoyable day trips you can take during your stay. This charming coastal town is only about 14 kilometres from our holiday flat and can be easily reached by bike via well-maintained cycle paths in around 12 kilometres.

Dangast is the oldest North Sea resort on the German North Sea coast and captivates visitors with its unique blend of sea, nature and culture. Situated directly on the Jadebusen, the town invites you to take relaxing strolls along the beach and past the Kurhaus. From the promenade, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Art lovers have long appreciated Dangast as an artists’ haven. Painters from the famous ‘Brücke’ group drew inspiration here from the special lighting conditions and the unique landscape. Today, galleries, exhibitions and works of art throughout the town pay tribute to this tradition.
For families, Dangast offers a lovely bathing beach, a large adventure playground and plenty of opportunities to explore and linger. Also popular are the “DanGastQuellbad” seawater spa, mudflat walks and boat trips on the Jadebusen.
Our tip: Take a cycle ride to Dangast, enjoy a slice of rhubarb cake in the historic Kurhaus and let your gaze wander over the North Sea – a perfect day’s holiday on the coast.

Cycling holidays

The area around our holiday flat is a real paradise for cyclists. Right on our doorstep, there are numerous well-maintained cycle paths that wind their way through the varied coastal landscape of the Jade Bay. Whether you’re looking for relaxed family outings, challenging day trips or leisurely e-bike rides – there’s a route to suit everyone here.
A popular destination is the North Sea resort of Dangast, which you can reach after about 12 kilometres. There, the beach, harbour, art and cosy cafés invite you to take a relaxing break with a view of the Wadden Sea.
For a shorter excursion, we recommend a tour through the Neuenburg Primeval Forest. The route leads from Bockhorn via Zetel to Neuenburg and through one of the oldest woodlands in north-west Germany. Beneath the mighty oaks and beech trees, you’ll experience a very special atmosphere. The historic Neuenburg Castle and the charming woodland landscape make this tour a popular destination for nature lovers.
A particular highlight for keen cyclists is the circular tour around the Jadebusen. This family-friendly route runs along the coast through picturesque villages and stunning natural landscapes. The combination of cycling and the ferry is particularly appealing: the seasonal ferry crosses from Eckwarderhörne to Wilhelmshaven. From there, the route continues via Dangast and Varel back to the starting point. The actual cycle route covers around 60 kilometres and offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and stopping for refreshments. You should allow a full day for the tour to enjoy the many sights along the route. One worthwhile stop, for example, is the Wilhelmshaven Aquarium.
After your cycle tour, you can store your bike conveniently and securely in the lockable, ground-level storage room right next to the car park. For e-bikes, there is of course a socket available for charging the batteries.
Whether it’s a leisurely ride to Dangast, a tour through the Neuenburg Primeval Forest, a day trip around the Jadebusen or your own personal discovery tours along the North Sea coast – from our holiday flat, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore the region on two wheels.
**Please note:** The ferry service between Eckwarderhörne and Wilhelmshaven operates seasonally only, from 1 June to 31 August, and does not run to a fixed timetable due to tidal conditions. Please check the current timetables before setting off on your trip.

Day Trip to the North Sea Islands of Wangerooge and Langeoog
A trip to one of the North Sea islands is one of the special experiences on the coast. Wangerooge is even located in the district of Friesland and, with its car-free island atmosphere, is a wonderful destination for a day trip. Langeoog also delights visitors with wide beaches, dune landscapes and a true island feeling.
Even the journey by ferry or island railway makes the excursion something special. On the islands, you can look forward to long walks on the beach, fresh sea air, small shops, cafes and plenty of nature. Anyone who wants to leave everyday life behind for a few hours is in exactly the right place here.
Our tip: Check ferry times and tides in advance and set off as early as possible. That way, you will have enough time on the island for the beach, dunes, a fish sandwich and a relaxed island stroll.

Day Trip to Groningen
For a varied day trip, a visit to Groningen is well worth it. Groningen can be reached by car in about one hour.
This lively university city in the north of the Netherlands impresses visitors with its beautiful city center, many small shops, well-known brands, cozy cafes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Groningen is easy to discover on foot while strolling through its streets. Between canals, historic facades and modern shops, both shopping fans and anyone who simply wants to spend a lovely day in a special city will find plenty to enjoy.

Bremerhaven: Museums and Experiences in Any Weather
Bremerhaven is an ideal destination for a day trip - especially when the weather is not quite cooperating. The city on the Weser estuary offers many exciting places to visit.
The best-known attractions include the German Emigration Center, the Klimahaus and the Zoo am Meer. Whether history, climate, animals or maritime atmosphere: there is a lot to discover in Bremerhaven, and many attractions are indoors, so the trip can be planned regardless of the weather.

Bad Zwischenahn and Lake Zwischenahn
Bad Zwischenahn is a versatile destination for anyone who wants to combine nature, water and relaxation. Lake Zwischenahn shapes the character of the town and provides a particularly beautiful setting for walks, cycling tours and relaxing hours by the water.
A bike ride around the lake is very popular. Along the way, there are many lovely views, small places to take a break and opportunities to stop for refreshments. The circular route around the entire lake is 12.2 km long.
If you prefer to get directly onto the water, you can rent an electric boat or pedal boat depending on the season and experience Bad Zwischenahn from a completely different perspective.
The Park der Gaerten is also a popular destination in Bad Zwischenahn. A visit is especially worthwhile in summer. The spacious grounds offer many inspiring garden worlds and regular events - ideal for a relaxed day trip with plenty of variety.
Our tip: You may bring your own food and drinks into the park. The park offers many beautiful spots for a small evening picnic. Reduced prices apply from 4:00 p.m.

Oldenburg: Culture, Shopping and a Beautiful City Center
Oldenburg is a lively city with plenty of culture, a beautiful city center and many opportunities for strolling, dining and exploring. The mix of historic buildings, small shops, restaurants and cafes makes the city a worthwhile destination for an excursion. The city is about 30 minutes away by car. It is also easy to reach by public transport.
Oldenburg has a great deal to offer culturally. Events, concerts, exhibitions and performances - for example at the State Theater - provide variety throughout the year. The Casablanca, a cinema with a special atmosphere, is also worth a visit. In addition to the current film program, Casablanca also offers special events such as screenings of film classics, films in the original language or the "knitting cinema".

Walking at the Muehlenteich in Obenstrohe
Anyone looking for a quiet excursion into nature will find a lovely destination for a relaxed walk at the Muehlenteich in Obenstrohe. Paths around the pond lead through green, idyllic surroundings - ideal for taking a deep breath and enjoying the peace and quiet.
The Muehlenteich is especially pleasant for a short outing in between: the path is easy to reach, the surroundings feel close to nature and, depending on the season, the landscape always shows a new side. A walk here is also well suited for families, because there is a lot to discover along the way without the route becoming too long.
Our tip: Free parking is available at Muehlenteichstrasse 93-95 in 26316 Varel.

Petersgroden: Walk Directly Along the Dike
A walk in Petersgroden leads you right into the typical landscape of Friesland: wide skies, fresh North Sea air, the dike and, of course, the sheep that are a natural part of the scenery here. The place is a lovely destination for anyone who loves peace, nature and an open view into the distance.
It is easy to switch off directly at the dike. Whether as a short afternoon walk or a small tour with the family, Petersgroden shows the coastal region from a particularly original side. Especially on clear days, the view over the marsh landscape and toward the Jade Bay is a real experience. The path ends at the Dangast sluice. From there, it is only a few minutes on foot to the harbor, beach and various cafes.
Our tip: Start at the Petershoerner Siel 1 parking lot in 26345 Bockhorn.

Zeli Zetel: Cinema with Nostalgic Charm
A visit to the Zeli in Zetel is a great tip for anyone who would like to enjoy a cozy cinema evening away from large multiplex cinemas. The historic movie theater looks back on more than 100 years of cinema history and is now run with great dedication on a voluntary basis by the non-profit association "Zeli - Zeteler Lichtspiele e.V."
The Zeli offers a varied program - from regular evening cinema and family screenings to film club, classic cinema and holiday programs. Tickets can be purchased or reserved online in advance.
Our tip: The cinema is easy to reach by bicycle, for example via the "old railway line" route. The route begins very close to the holiday apartment.

Tips for Families with Children
There are many lovely excursion destinations for families in the region where both children and adults can have a great time. One popular destination is the Jaderpark in Jaderberg, which combines an animal park, amusement park and play areas.
There are also good alternatives for swimming days. Nautimo in Wilhelmshaven offers water fun for the whole family and is a good option when the weather is changeable. The wave pool in Bad Zwischenahn also offers a special swimming experience with a view of Lake Zwischenahn.

Restaurant Tips in the Area
The region around Bockhorn also has plenty to offer in culinary terms. If you would like to eat Greek food, Mythos in Neuenburg is a popular address for a cozy evening. Burger fans should visit DeBroes in Zetel, where modern burger cuisine and tasty cocktails are the focus.
In Varel, Emma, die Scheune and Neumaerker offer further nice options for dining out - whether for a relaxed dinner or a special occasion.