Let me introduce my hometown to the rest of the world

First of all. This is the first blog I write in my entire life. And it's in english which is not my mother tongue therefore be forbear with me ;)

Papenburg is located in the north-western part of Germany. Some of you might have heard about Papenburg because the Meyer Shipyard is located here. It's one of the most important ship yards in the world in building cruise ships. Lately the "Celebritiy Solstice" and "Celebrity Equinox" which were the biggest cruise ships which have ever been built in Germany have been delivered to the shipping company "Celebrity Cruises"located in Miami.

The shipyard „Meyer Werft“ - is a company with a tradition of over 200 years. With a length of more than 504 metres, a height of 75 metres and a width of 125 metres, this roof-covered dock belongs to one of the largest in the world. Well, visiting the Ship Yard is the main attraction in Papenburg. About 200,000 people each year book a tour and it's worth it. You can see how to build a cruise ship because about 2 or 3 ships each year are under contruction. The buildings of the old shipyard are created into a cultural centre containing all the facets of this industry. Since June 2004, the „Papenburger Zeitspeicher“ has also become part of the „Forum Alte Werft“. Close to the old shipyard, the municipal museum can be found. Here one can find out everything what has to do with the golden times of the Papenburg shipping industry. Also, the old tower at the other side of the city still reminds one to these times. This tower was built by order of native captains, after the example of the lighthouse of Riga.  The founder of Papenburg, Dietrich von Veelen, guides you through "Der Zeitspeicher" the only visitor information centre available within this theme in Germany. Via the exhibition artifacts you can find out how the first sod huts were constructed and the first canals were digged in this peat area. Furthermore, through this part of the exhibition one can look into the other aspects Papenburg has to offer.

Canals worth seeing shape this city. Draw-and bascule bridges combine the riverbanks, on which alongside flower-decorated houses are standing. In front of the impressive city hall lies the „Friederike“. Every visitor of Papenburg, a city of shipbuilders and captains, takes this statue home. The old two-master and the other sailing boats in the canals create a floating maritime museum. The townscape, characterised by its waterways, invites you to take beautiful pictures, such as two of the only still preserved windmills of Emsland.

But the history of Papenburg goes back much further in time. 350 years ago, poor peat-farmers started with the foundation of the oldest and largest fen community of Germany. The „Von-Velen“ open-air museum offers the visitors the opportunity to take a closer look at these former houses and workplaces. Part of this museum is the restaurant „Papenbörger Hus“, where one can eat delicious buckwheat pancakes.(Source: homepage Papenburg Tourism)