This calm North German city has a Gothic Town Hall and medieval houses around its market square, plus a Baroque palace-turned-museum near the North Sea coast.
Aurich, the second-largest city in East Frisia, lies in Lower Saxony, Germany. In the city's marketplace, local farmers sell vegetables, cheese, and flowers three times weekly. The red-brick Stiftsmühle, built in 1858, rises above the city skyline. You can explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, cycle to nearby villages, or take day trips to the car-free East Frisian Islands of Juist, Norderney, and Baltrum.
Market Square and City Center
The main marketplace forms the heart of Aurich's pedestrian zone, with locals filling the outdoor café tables throughout the day. Farmers and artisans from across East Frisia gather here every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning to sell fresh produce, regional cheese, and handmade crafts. Red-brick buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries line the square, including the former Prussian administrative offices with their distinctive white-trimmed windows. Small boutiques and restaurants occupy the narrow side streets leading away from the market.
Tea Culture
East Frisian tea ceremonies happen daily in Aurich's cafés and homes. The local method involves pouring black tea over "Kluntje" (rock sugar) and adding heavy cream, which creates white swirls in the dark tea. Many café owners will explain how locals drink the tea without stirring to preserve the distinct layers. You can try regional dishes alongside your tea, such as "Snirtjebraten" (pot roast) and "Updrögt Bohnen" (dried beans with pears).
Transportation and Island Excursions
You can walk between most city sights within 15-20 minutes. Buses run regularly to coastal towns like Norddeich, where you can catch ferries to the East Frisian Islands. On Juist, Norderney, and Baltrum, you'll find extensive walking trails and sandy beaches without any car traffic. To reach Aurich, you can drive from Bremen Airport (1.5 hours) or take the train (3 hours).
Cycling and Recreation
Marked cycling paths connect Aurich to surrounding villages and the North Sea coast. The flat terrain and paved trails make cycling easy for families and casual riders. In the central Schlosspark, centuries-old oak trees shade the walking paths and benches. Local stables arrange horseback rides through the countryside, passing farmhouses with thatched roofs and water-filled canals.
