Discover Timmel: Water, Routes and Maritime History

Timmel combines a diverse water experience with East Frisian village history and various opportunities for active days on holiday. Timmeler Meer covers 25 hectares of water and has an average depth of 9 metres. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Timmel can focus on canoeing, equestrian sports, walks or the town’s maritime past during their holiday.

Canoeing across Timmeler Meer

A particularly practical way to get to know the surrounding area from the water is the non-tidal canoe tour from Timmel via the Rorichumer Tief to Rorichum. The route is around 13.3 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours. It begins at the jetty of the Paddel- und Pedal station in Timmel and leads across Timmeler Meer. Single and double kayaks as well as canoes for three, four and ten people can be rented there.

Timmeler Meer also offers a far-reaching water perspective beyond this: From the lake, boaters can travel via the Ems to the North Sea. The MS Gretje is a passenger vessel on Timmeler Meer and the Fehntjer Tief. Excursions on the ship provide an opportunity to learn about the history of Großefehn and peat shipping. Timmel therefore offers both a canoe tour of its own and a way to explore the region’s history from the water.

Horse riding, walking and shared experiences

The Equestrian Sports and Tourism Centre in Timmel offers dressage and show-jumping lessons for riders of all ability levels. Individual and group lessons as well as training courses take place regularly. This particularly appeals to travellers who want to add a specific riding experience to their stay without making a single activity the focus of their entire holiday.

There are four walking trails in Timmel and Westgroßefehn. The routes vary in length. Some sections can be used with a rollator or wheelchair, and there is also a signposted accessible alternative route. The multi-generational park at Timmeler Meer also features an accessible inclusive playground for people with and without disabilities.

Maritime heritage and village life

A maritime school was founded in Timmel in 1846. The Old Maritime School is a preserved maritime historic building associated with this foundation; the current building was constructed in 1862. The Tourist Information Office of Großefehn offers a guided Historical Village Walk through Timmel lasting around two hours. The meeting point is the village square; dates and costs are available on request.

The village square is also a venue for recurring events. An annual Maypole celebration and the traditional Ostereierlünsen take place there. During the season, baking days are held regularly. A memorial plaque in the Church of St Peter and St Paul commemorates Jonas Eilers (1768–1778).

Guidance for choosing your accommodation

Accommodation in Timmel suits a range of travel plans: You can combine water activities and maritime history, include equestrian activities in your itinerary or make the walking trails and village walk the focus of your stay. When travelling from the A31, exit 7, signposted “Neermoor / Timmel”, leads along the L914 country road for approximately 7 kilometres to the entrance to Timmel. If you would also like to compare another place, you can find Strackholt here.

For the overarching travel overview: Großefehn.