Ditzum lies at the mouth of the Ems. Restored houses, the historic sluice and a colourful fleet of fishing boats shape the picturesque village; the harbour is also a popular destination for visitors. The sluice structure is still operational and is considered unique in East Frisia. If you choose Ditzum as your destination, you can focus on harbour and fishing history or plan trips on the water. Both are part of the village, but they lead to different day plans.
Harbour and Fishing History
The BĂĽltjer shipyard is located in Ditzum harbour; it is one of the last wooden boat shipyards in Germany. The granat drying shed at the harbour was built in 1919 and is used to dry bycatch for animal feed. If you are interested in the economic side of maritime history, you will find two specific topics here: wooden boatbuilding and the processing of bycatch.
The Ditzum Bottle Ship Museum displays steamships, fishing boats and sailing ships in bottles. Some of the ships on display are over 100 years old. Other maritime exhibits include engine-room telegraphs, diving bells and divers’ lead shoes; the selection may change. The museum is considered the largest bottle ship museum in Germany.
The Harbour and Fishing Museum focuses on something different: its fishing exhibition features photographs and typical objects from Ems fishing. Temporary exhibitions also explore fishing and the history of the harbour and sluice; exhibitions may change. The themes therefore differ: the Bottle Ship Museum focuses on ships in bottles and individual maritime artefacts, while the fishing exhibition features images and objects from Ems fishing.
Ferry and Excursions on the Water
The Ditzum–Petkum ferry connects Ditzum with Petkum across the Ems. It runs several times a day, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes. Pedestrians and cyclists can travel on the ferry, which can also carry up to three passenger cars. If you want to plan your day around a specific departure, check the timetable for your travel date.
Excursions to the North Sea island of Borkum, the Dutch town of Delfzijl and the city of Leer depart from Ditzum’s outer pier. Timetables are seasonal and may change, so check the dates before planning one of these excursions. Another way to explore Ditzum and Jemgum from the water is a canoe trip with Paddel und Pedal. Check the details with the provider before your trip.
The Ditzum Tourist Information Office sells tickets for boat excursions, as well as detailed cycling maps and travel guides. As the availability of these products may change, check locally if needed. The main difference between the ferry, excursion boat and canoe trip is whether you want to travel to Petkum, visit an excursion destination or explore Ditzum and Jemgum from the water.
Windmill and Event Dates
Ditzum Mill is considered a unique technical monument made up of old and new components. Guided tours are available; check current options in advance. This lets you plan a visit to the mill specifically, without confusing it with the exhibitions at the harbour or a trip across the Ems.
The Ditzum Art Days are usually held annually on the last weekend in October. As the exact dates may vary, check the event dates for your travel year if you want to plan your stay around them.
Discover more destinations: Critzum, Hatzum, Pogum.
Return to the regional travel overview: Jemgum.
