Cycling day trip from Emden to Aurich

A relaxed East Frisian spin from Emden to Aurich, about 36.5 km and basically flat—think sea‑level riding with just a few gentle ripples. Rolling out of Emden, a port city known for the Kunsthalle Emden and the quirky Otto Huus, you’ll soon pick up the Ems–Jade Canal towpath. It’s mostly car‑free paths and quiet roads, around 80% paved (largely asphalt) with a few paving‑stone bits and the odd short gravel patch. Expect big skies, meadows, and the occasional lock or lift bridge; the wind can be the main “hill” out here, so plan for a breeze.

It’s an easy 2–3 hour ride depending on pace and wind. If you fancy a break, canal-side spots and villages offer low‑key cafés; keep an eye out around Ihlow. Roll into Aurich, the administrative heart of East Frisia, where the historic center and the Stiftsmühle windmill make a photogenic finish. Flat, scenic, and low‑stress—perfect for a no‑drama day out.