Located on the banks of the River Leda, Leer lies just a stone’s throw from the Dutch border in Germany’s far north-west. The area is believed to have been settled since at least 3,200 BC and by the 15th century, the town was thriving on the back of trade with the Hanseatic League.
Things to do in Leer
Learn about life in Leer in days gone by at the Heimatmuseum, which houses archaeological, ethnographical and social history exhibits. Head down to the vaulted cellar to learn about East Friesland's earliest settlements, then wander through the recreated living spaces from different periods in time. Also of note are the museum’s exhibitions dedicated to the city’s shipping industry and the history of its herring fishery.
On the eastern edge of Leer is Castle Evenburg, which was originally constructed in the 17th century in a Dutch Classical style. Two decades later, it was rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic style on designs by the Hanover-based architect Richard Stueve. Join a guided tour to explore the castle’s opulent interior or coincide your visit with a concert before wandering through the English-style landscaped gardens.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love visiting Leer Miniature Land, which boasts one of the largest model layouts in Germany. Get up close to miniature scenes from Bad Zwischenahn and Oldenburg, then see Berlin’s Reichstag district from above. In addition to around 5,000 buildings, Leer Miniature Land is home to 300 trains, 250 ships and 7,000 cars.
Getting around Leer
Leer is just over an hour’s drive from Bremen and Bremen Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Leer railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Leer can easily be explored on foot.