Saterland

Saterland is a geographic and cultural region in northwestern Germany, located in the district of Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony. The area lies near the Ems River and is part of the East Frisian frontier of the Lower Saxony coast, characterized by flat, low-lying terrain, peatlands, and historic drainage ditches.

A defining feature is the Saterland Frisian language, a West Frisian variety spoken by the Saterland Frisian people. It persists as a minority language with cultural associations, bilingual signs, and efforts in local schools, though the number of speakers has declined. The residents are commonly known as Saterfriesen.

Historically, the region has been influenced by Frisian and German cultures, and today it forms part of the Cloppenburg district and is organized as part of a collective municipality that groups several villages. The economy is primarily agricultural, with small businesses and services, and tourism related to language and rural heritage.

The landscape shapes daily life: marshy soils, dikes, and water-management systems have long influenced farming, transport, and settlement. Nature areas and rural trails attract visitors seeking quiet landscapes and opportunities to experience Saterland Frisian culture.