The platform stands in the Dollart, a bay that was formed by storm surges in the 13th and 14th centuries.
It is one of the few places in Germany where a decommissioned industrial site has been fully opened to the public for tourism.
The site sits directly on the border between Germany and the Netherlands, which is demarcated within the Ems river area.
The platform is situated within the Ems-Dollart region, an area of high ecological significance for migratory birds.
It provides a clear view of the nearby Ems Barrier, a major flood control structure used during storm surges.
The Former Dyksterhusen drilling platform is a repurposed natural gas drilling site located on the banks of the Ems River near the border of the Netherlands. It serves as an industrial heritage landmark that provides visitors with views of the Dollart bay and the North Sea coastline. The site features an observation tower that allows panoramic vistas of the surrounding Wadden Sea National Park. Originally operational as a gas extraction point, the platform was converted to highlight the intersection of energy production and environmental conservation. The location is integrated into regional cycling routes, making it a common stop for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the East Frisian landscape. Visitors can access elevated walkways that offer a direct perspective of the tidal flats and the industrial infrastructure of the nearby Ems estuary.
The highest platform of the observation tower, looking west over the Ems river toward the Dutch coast.
Check tidal charts before visiting, as the surrounding mudflats and landscape visuals change drastically with the tide.
Bring high-quality binoculars to view the bird populations and distant ships passing through the Ems shipping channel.
Dress in layers, as the wind exposure on the platform is significantly higher than on the mainland.
Do not attempt to walk onto the tidal flats (mudflats) without a certified guide, as the terrain is dangerous and the tide returns rapidly.
Remain on marked paths to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the surrounding salt marshes and dike slopes.
