Lovely and lively, traditional and open, entertaining and sporty, natural and green - the harbour town of Emden. The economic and cultural heart of East Frisia nails its colours to the mast - few towns have seen so many new and forward-looking initiatives or developed such cultural self-confidence over the last few years. The Emdeners remain conscious of and proud of their 1200 year history.

Decide for yourself what you like best about the town. Lovers of art, history and culture will find just as much to enjoy as sports fans. Each to his own, Emden welcomes you. The art gallery, a gift to his hometown from Henri Nannen, is a must-see. Testaments to Emden's great past can be admired in the East Frisia Landesmuseum in the Rathaus on the Delft.

Or how about a whiff of sea-faring romance on board a museum lightship. The superb Emden ramparts with their avenue-like trees and broad meadows offer visitors and residents alike peaceful walks and extended cycling tours of the town. The ramparts have escaped demolition and in terms of their preservation are unique in Germany.

East Frisia Landesmuseum - a mirror of history

The East Frisia Landesmuseum with its famous armoury is located in the Emden Rathaus on the Delft. Place of honour goes to the armour and weapons of the town militia (16th - 18th century). It is the largest and most complete historical urban weapon collection in Germany. Peat excavations, models of harbour and fishing boats (Emden was the first German herring harbour), pictures of the Dutch school and various findings from East Frisia bring a rich past to life. The Rathaus tower offers a wonderful view over the town centre, parts of the town wall and the harbour.

Emden Art Gallery

In 1986 the founder of "Stern“ magazine, Henri Nannen, built, in his hometown, a building to house his collection of 20th century art. German expressionism and paintings of the new functionalism movement form the core of the collection, which includes works by Nolde, Macke and Kokoschka.

The existing collection was extended particularly with works from after 1947. The Emden art gallery is now a popular destination for art lovers from all over Germany and neighbouring countries. Henri and Eske Nannen have created a "living meeting point between citizens and paintings". The gallery's school of painting is also very famous. Under the slogan "many arts under one roof", children, young people and adults can experiment without pressure and free of school structures and discover their own artistic direction.

• http://www.kunsthalle-emden.de (German)

Emden International Film Festival

How about some great cinema? Emden has developed into a real film town. There's always great cinema at the Emden international film festival in May. Actors, directors and cameramen from all over Europe descend on Emden for a whole week to meet the public in the flesh. And the people of Emden make a real festival of it. The film world leaves it to the audience to choose the best film, which receives the Emden film prize, a bronze Ottiphant (a children's television character) - typical Emden.

And the modest film festival has turned into a huge celebration. Over 5000 visitors have brought their films to Emden. Directors, producers, scriptwriters and actors of international repute, as well as many as yet unknown, young talents, who have gone on to become great names. World premieres and first performances almost every day of the festival, films, events and meetings that you won't forget in a hurry.

• http://www.filmfestemden.de/Frameset_Info_E.htm

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