Dollart / East Fresia / Germany

Dollart is a natural estuary at the base of the river Elms right on the Dutch/German border. It is very popular with sailing enthusiasts, as well as windsurfers and kite surfers alike of intermediate and expert abilities. There are strong undercurrents here which are not good for novices and beginners. There is no season, although the best months are spring and autumn.

The beach here consists of a grassy area which stretches right around the bay itself. Out of season it is possible to pick your spot, but it does get pretty crowded with tourists during the height of the summer. To get here you drive out of Leer on the A31 towards the border. Take the A7/A280 and take the first exit sign posted Neuschanzer Strasse. Once you are here, drive up north of the border along Charlottenpolder for around 15 kms until you see signs for Wattweg. Here you can park up and access the Dollart water.

The dominant wind direction is westerly and variations thereof and they tend to come at you from a frontal position. Any variations of westerly are a good surfing direction here so it is pretty good most of the year round, although the winds tend to be lighter in the summer months. The water quality is a little murky with a muddy bottom, so it is advisable to wear shoes. The estuary itself tends to be flat to choppy and is tidal. The best time to surf here is 2.5 hours before and after high tide. You are slightly sheltered here so the water temperature remains surprisingly warm even in the winter months to around 10 degrees which is pleasant for the time of year.

There is nothing very much here, but Emden which is just across the bay, has all the facilities that you would need, such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. If you prefer to party on an evening, then your nearest city is Bremen.

Beware of strong undercurrents and look out for swimmers and crowds in the height of the summer.