Ferien- und Erlebnishof Janssen

We’ve stayed at several farms in East Frisia over different holidays, and this one made a very good impression. The holiday homes, bungalows, and apartments are tastefully furnished, though their equipment varies. Bring basics like a whisk, a sharp knife, or even your own nonstick frying pan if you’d rather avoid hassle. You can also ask ahead and pack accordingly. The furniture isn’t quite as pristine as the photos suggest, but that seems like normal wear and doesn’t take away from the charm. Some things get upgraded now and then, and overall the standard is very good. The price for one night with a child or children isn’t cheap. Bed linen and towels cost extra if you don’t bring your own, and there’s also the annoying tourist tax. There’s lots of room for children to roam, and the play area offers almost endless possibilities. They can enter some of the animal enclosures too. The website’s photos and videos are a bit out of date: chess and Ludo boards are gone, guinea pigs can’t be petted whenever you like, and tractor rides and fire pits aren’t available unless you ask specifically. You can feed the guinea pigs in the morning. There’s still a good choice of things to do, but you have to check what’s actually on offer. We found the lack of organized activities or special highlights a little disappointing. With plenty going on and other children around, though, your own child won’t get bored. Adults have plenty of places to sit. I especially liked the many beach chairs, including some outside the apartments. They’re great for sitting in the sun out of the wind. The horses can be brought in from the paddock and ridden during riding times, which is quite unusual. As beginners, we sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed by that level of independence, and perhaps not everyone liked it. With a little help, we made good use of it. There’s also a small building where you can buy cold drinks, eggs, and homemade jam, which is a lovely touch. A currywurst and fries van comes on Thursdays from 5 pm. Apparently, from May there’ll also be pizza and bread roll delivery. Horumersiel is about a 1 km walk away and really beautiful. Check-in at the farm’s reception was quick and well organized. You do need to ask about the rules, riding times, and other dates, or find out from other guests. There’s a public restroom on the farm, which I appreciated since you don’t have to keep going back to your apartment. There are also three pitches for caravans and motorhomes, at €35 a night. One small suggestion: the indoor play area could use a clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth would do. The hosts are generally helpful, friendly, and keen to take care of guests’ needs. Small problems get sorted quickly, and the team can be reached by phone outside office hours. At times, one or two people seemed a little annoyed, more often the women than the men, though that may just be the more reserved northern German manner. The holiday was incredibly restful, and I’d definitely book this package again.

We had a very satisfying weekend here with our two toddlers. They got to help feed the animals and ride the ponies, and our holiday apartment was clean and very well equipped. Thanks for such a lovely weekend.

There are lots of different animals at this really interesting farm. The overnight houses are clean and worth recommending.

We’re back for a second stay at this lovely farm, and the kids feel right at home. There are comfortable apartments and holiday homes set among the fields, plus alpacas, chickens, pigs, cows, horses, ponies, and cats. In the mornings, children can help feed the animals. They can also take a pony from the meadow whenever they like, groom it, and ride it. For play, there are tricycles, go-karts, a big playground with a trampoline, and a foosball table. We love coming here and feel very comfortable.