"Greetsiel up north !" Greetsiel by MichaelFalk1969

Greetsiel Travel Guide: 43 reviews and 68 photos

Greetsiel is a picture-perfect small harbour town in Frisia (the utmost northwestern part of Germany, near the Dutch border). Up to 30 crab-fishing boats are moored in the harbour. The Old Town is very small and contains lots of tiny frisian-style houses. Two historic windmills (built 1706 and 1856) complete the idyllic, laid-back athmosphere of Greetsiel. Only 2 km from the city centre the famous Pilsum lighthouse, painted with yellow-red stripes, is one of the iconic sights of the region. Cycle Rental is recommended, as the area around Greetsiel is very flat and one can spend hours cycling along the sea or through the small idyllic hamlets of the Krummhörn region.

Greetsiel is not made for extensive sightseeing - you probably can tick off the main sights in an hour. Focus instead on relaxing, having a good time, unwind, read some books, enjoy the food, the fresh air, do some cycling !

By the way: The Frisians are to the Germans what the Scots are to the English and the Hillibillies to the Americans: A popular object of jokes who make fun on their supposed rural backwardness. In reality, the Frisians are some of the friendliest people you can possibly meet.

Pros and Cons

Pros:very relaxed, nice Old Town, ideal for cycling, seafood
Cons:can be crowded; plentyful mosquitoes in summer

Last visit to Greetsiel: Aug 2008
Intro Updated Aug 20, 2008
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (10)

Cycling Tour Krummhörn Things to Do (6)

I recommend to do some cycling if you are in the Greetsiel area, as the route is very flat, cycling is easy and you get... more travel advice

Zwillingsmühlen - Greetsiel Things to Do (6)

In walking distance from the Oldtown, two historic windmills (built 1706 and 1856) along a canal complete the idyllic,... more travel advice

Nature Reserve / Bird Sanctuary Pilsum - Greetsiel

Nature Reserve / Bird Sanctuary Pilsum Things to Do (6)

On the way to the Lighthouse Pilsum are several lakes densely populated by geese, ducks, water birds and seagulls. It is... more travel advice

Lighthouse Pilsum Things to Do (6)

This 11 meter-high lighthouse near Pilsum and Greetsiel in the Krummhörn region (Frisia) was built 1891 and in active... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A rustic and charming hotel
Been to Greetsiel?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV Feb 5, 2010 at 8:47 AM

Greetsiel looks very picturesque indeed.... I am sure I would have enjoyed my visit there... Thanks for sharing, Michael! ><><><><
Reply
- Report abuse
Gili_S Sep 15, 2008 at 9:03 AM

Greetsiel up north? No way, it was way south for me ;-) Nice photos and tips. Cheers.