Emden

One of Germany's most attractive and welcoming seaside towns is Norddeich. It provides a haven of peace and, at the same time, a wide range of outdoor activities because it is situated in a remote area away from major cities. A day trip to the nearby Wattenmeer natural reserve, a UNESCO world heritage site, can be planned by visitors.

One of the most common photographs of this tiny town in the north is its lighthouse, which is quite remarkable. Other noteworthy features include the Greetsiel windmills and one of Germany's greatest beaches, which is frequented by surfers.

Emden became the most significant transshipment port on the North Sea as a result of the Spanish blockade of Flemish and Brabant ports at the beginning of the Dutch Revolt. To avoid persecution by the Spanish rulers of the Low Countries, thousands of Protestant refugees fled to the Protestant city of Emden from Flanders and the Duchy of Brabant.

During this time, the East Friesland counts who were Lutherans clashed with the largely Calvinist Emden. In 1595, the Emden Revolution led to the establishment of Emden as a separate city-state. Emden was helped by the Dutch Republic to become a free government city that was under their watchful eye. The dialect of Brabanthia was adopted as the standard language for commerce and government.

• Location: Urban district