Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer
13.8miLength
383ftElevation gain
4.5–5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This segment of the Great Frisian Trail travels from the shipbuilding city of Papenburg to the historic Hanseatic city of Leer. The path leads hikers for miles over the high grass dikes along the Ems river, offering impressive views of the polders and the Meyer Werft shipyard. After crossing the Leda river, the journey concludes in the monumental center of Leer, filled with atmospheric old buildings and maritime history. Overnight stays occur at various hotels and guesthouses in Leer, where booking ahead during the tourist season is recommended. Both cities offer numerous restaurants and supermarkets to replenish supplies. Both start and finish points feature a train station with excellent connections; check Deutsche Bahn or https://9292.nl/ for current transit schedules.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Great Frisian Trail
Top sights
Historisches Rathaus Leer
Building
Seehafen Leer
River
Hafenpromenade
Viewpoint
Anleger "Warsteiner Admiral"
Attraction
Dampfschiff "Prinz Heinrich"
Attraction
Esklumer Siel
Attraction
Coldemüntjer Schöpfwerkstief
River
Weekeborger Siel
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 13.8-mile point-to-point trail near Papenburg, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 18 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
How to get to Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
The Groot Frieslandpad ends at Leer train station in Germany. Here it is also possible to transfer to the international hiking trail E9 or for travel information by public transport, visit https://www.bahnhof.de/en/leer-ostfriesl.
What is the expected weather this week for Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Expected weather for Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 67 degrees/drizzle
- Wed, September 23 - 62 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 62 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 66 degrees/drizzle
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer located?
Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is a trail located in Papenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
How hard is Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is considered a moderate hike that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 383 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is considered a moderate hike that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 383 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer a point to point trail?
Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is a point to point trail that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 383 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is a point to point trail that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 383 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
No, dogs are not allowed on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer.
Are there rivers at Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Yes, Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is near Seehafen Leer and Coldemüntjer Schöpfwerkstief.
Are there scenic views at Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Yes, Hafenpromenade is located on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer.
Is camping allowed at Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Camping is allowed on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Backpacking is allowed on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer is partially paved.
Are there wildflowers at Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Great Frisian Trail Segment 23: Papenburg - Leer, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 20, 2026 at 2:12 am GMT+0