Our German twin town of Norden – with a population around 25,000 – lies near the North Sea and the Dutch border …

• Norden’s main Lutheran church contains a fine three manual 17th Century organ: the Ludgeri church is located on the edge of Germany’s largest market square.
• The Mennonite denomination originated in Dutch Friesland over 400 years ago, with Norden as a prominent East Frisian centre. During the last two centuries, services have been held in a stylish town mansion that also borders the Norden market place.

• Some of Norden’s more distinguished buildings have unusual Frisian names: Schöninghsches Haus – named after Wilhelm Schöningh a former owner – and Dree Süsters (Three Sisters).
• Norden’s former Renaissance Town Hall has been converted into a Tea Museum. People in this area drink more tea per head than anywhere else in the world, and organise tea ceremonies to celebrate their favourite drink. It’s no surprise that Germany’s leading Onno Behrends brand is produced in Norden.
• Gin distillation has been another local speciality since the 19th Century, founded by Jan ten Doornkatt who was a well-known Mennonite.