A spontaneous invitation from my friend Alex turned into a memorable day exploring northern Germany like a local. From an unplanned detour to Itzehoe to braving near-gale winds along the North Sea, the day was full of unexpected adventures. We visited the Nord-Ostsee Canal, the impressive Eider Barrage, and the windswept shores of Sankt Peter-Ording before warming up with coffee and cake in the charming town of Friedrichstadt.