Weener 2011

Our stop was the "Am alten Hafen" motorhome pitch in Weener near Leer. The year-round tarmac pitch (45 spaces) is right on the harbour basin and offers everything from gas service, fresh water and waste disposal to toilets and showers.

Bread rolls and newspapers are available at the harbour kiosk (approx. 200 metres away). An overnight stay including electricity costs 10 euros. Once a day the site warden comes round and collects the fee directly at your motorhome. He is very friendly and helpful, has lots of tips for the area and free maps too – just ask. The view from the motorhome is of the harbour basin, which makes an impressive backdrop. The pitch is very central and quiet. The harbour basin was built as early as the 16th century. On both sides, merchants' houses, small houses and warehouses line the harbour, along with some historic ships. The bronze "Törfwieven" monument was erected by the town of Weener by the harbour basin in 1991; it is meant to reflect the protection and the hardship of work.

Some of the connections between the houses were built in a very interesting way.

Lots of historic buildings line the town centre, such as the Kaake Arch, built in Rococo style. This gate once separated the "cattle and horse market" area from the religious area around St. George's Church. The former poorhouse from 1791 now houses the local history museum.