Hafenfest Ditzum

Ditzum — the most beautiful fishing village on the Ems

Since the administrative reform, Ditzum has been part of the municipality of Jemgum and is located directly at the mouth of the Ems, opposite Emden. The historic fishing harbor is one of East Frisia's most famous tourist postcard motifs: old crab cutters, colorful facades, the church, and the pier form a striking silhouette. Once a year, the Hafenfest turns this backdrop into a Volksfest celebrating the village's maritime identity.

Market mile between the pier and the village square

A long market mile with a flea, hobby, and craft market stretches along the harbor and adjacent streets. Vendors from the Rheiderland region, from the neighboring Netherlands, and from all over southern East Frisia present products, handicrafts, and collector's items. Local clubs and restaurateurs provide catering with regional specialties — crabs, smoked fish, East Frisian tea, and punch.

Cutter parade, shanty choirs, and steamship

Highlights include the cutter parade on Saturday afternoon, where the fishing boats, festively decorated, sail past on the Ems, as well as performances by several shanty choirs at the pier and in the festival tents. On Saturday afternoon, the steamship Prinz Heinrich docks in the harbor and offers special Ems river tours. On Sunday, the traditional journey from Ditzum to Leer takes place.

Family-friendly and free of charge

The Hafenfest is free to enter and particularly family-friendly. Both days are open continuously from midday to late afternoon, between 11 AM and 6 PM. Those who want to experience East Frisia from its maritime, rural side will find one of the most authentic experiences here.