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This was our third stay in Friedrichtstadt and our 4th visit. That could well be a record for return visits by us to any one place in Germany. The lovely little bed-and-breakfast where we've stayed before didn't fit the bill this time though, so Werner found a vacation house. Good grief! What a house!
It was built in the mid-1600s - so, yes, it's over 300 years old - built when the town was founded and in the meantime lovingly restored and updated. It is a little jewel. I seriously coveted the oak floorboards, about 20 inches wide, set in place with hand-forged nails. There were antique Delft tiles from the 1700s in many corners of the house, others the owners had collected, and many others that had been hand-painted and fired by the owner herself. Wow. All that ambiance for less $$ than a hotel room and tons more space.
We walked the town and took in the sights. It's a mini-Amsterdam with Dutch-style houses and canals, colorfully painted doors.
And of course there are artisans - here a great shop with fun ceramics and good paintings.
We ate out the first night, and would you believe that was the last???? The service was great but we weren't impressed so much with the food.
Next day, Tönning. You all know by now that even the smallest village has a fantastic church, and Tönning was no exception, though the church is exceptional. We were lucky to arrive just as a wedding was over, so the church was open (not a given with protestant churches here) and had flowers form the wedding around. But that was icing. The church is a wonder - hand-cut pews from the early 1700s, ceiling paintings from the 1800s, a crucifix from the 1600s, all lovingly restored and cared for.
The old harbor is lovely, too, though we did a rather quick walk about since it was windy and not so very warm. Like, C O L D. Lots of old buildings there reminiscent of Holland as well.
Day two, Sunday, started in Husum but Ursel and I quickly decided we needed to be there on Monday when the shops were open - the windows looked really interesting and inviting!
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So we headed back to the car and drove up to Seelbüll where the German artist Emil Nolde lived and worked. We visited his home and the gardens and the center that shows his history, has a gift shop and - ta da! - a coffee shop. Coffee and cake are always welcome.
Day three was back to Husum. But honestly, can it get even WINDIER here in North Germany?? Of course it can, but this was plenty for us. We took LOTS of opportunities to duck into shops to look at whatever they were selling!! I tried on a few things, but nothing quite fit. It was the wind, I think.
Speaking of which, there were windmills everywhere. Germany is trying to meet a self-imposed deadline for shutting down all the nuclear power plants which means finding other energy sources. We rely too much on natural gas from Russia (!!??) so Green is the way to go.
Day four was back home again, but with a stop along the way in Meldorf, site of one of the oldest and largest cathedrals in North Germany. Werner and I had been to Meldorf before, but the church was closed on that day, so it was a new treat for all of us.
And then the ferry. What a wait! There are so many trucks carrying goods across this area but the number of trucks on the ferries are limited. Cars get on a lot faster. Thank goodness. That was a long line. If you're a trucker, you sit a lot.
It was Ursel's first trip across the Elbe on the ferry and she was so impressed by the landscape and the views. Of course. It is impressive.
A quick stop in Brake to refresh ourselves (coffee and cake, of course!). It seems we are only in Brake at Christmas time and it is such a wonderful little town. We'll have to go back later this summer.
And then on to Bremen.
Great trip. Great companions. Looking forward to the next adventure.
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