Dellstedt: Moorland, nature and cycling routes

Dellstedt’s Birkwild Moor consists of two parts: the Nordermoor and the Ostermoor. A circular walking trail leads through the Nordermoor straight to an observation tower, which offers views across cotton-grass meadows. An orchid meadow lies a short distance from the tower. Dellstedt can therefore be experienced from several perspectives: on a walk through the moor, by bike and while viewing the remains of former peat production.

Moor trails and wildlife watching

Along the moor trail, there are opportunities to spot sundew and the rare yellow bog asphodel, also known as bog onion. Plant sightings depend on the season. Birkwild Moor also offers opportunities to spot whinchats, reed buntings, yellow wagtails and cranes; bluethroats may also be spotted. Which birds can be seen varies seasonally. In 2009, Birkwild Moor was named Schleswig-Holstein’s “Nature Reserve of the Year”.

Cycling in Dellstedt

The Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route runs through Dellstedt and connects the village with Pahlen, Lunden, Friedrichstadt, Bergenhusen and Hohn. The route passes through a landscape of rivers, meadows, forests, moors and canals. The Fockbek–Erfde stage also passes through Wrohm and Dellstedt, by Dellstedt’s Birkwild Moor, and then returns to the Eider. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the specific route before setting off.

Landscape and activities in the wider region

The lowlands of the wider Eider-Treene-Sorge region are home to raised and lowland bogs, extensive reed beds, natural shallow lakes and species-rich wet meadows. Animal and plant species adapted to wetland habitats still live there. In the wider Eider area, well-marked cycle routes and a designated network of walking trails make it easier to explore. Canoe trips offer the chance to observe the landscape and wildlife from the water; local access points may vary.

The history of Moorgut Dellstedt

Moorgut Dellstedt is a HISTOUR heritage site documenting peat and bog iron ore extraction, as well as former peat production. Among its surviving features is a half-timbered administrator’s house dating from 1863. The history of extraction therefore adds insight into the former use of this landscape to complement wildlife watching in the moor.

In the wider destination of Dithmarschen

The wider destination of Dithmarschen also offers distinct cultural and outdoor activities. The Dithmarschen State Museum in Meldorf takes visitors through 1,200 years of Dithmarschen’s history, from the wealth of the farmers’ republic to rural life in the 1960s. Hands-on activities at the Stone Age Park Dithmarschen include flint knapping, archery, making Stone Age jewellery, fire-making and bread baking. Activities on offer may vary depending on the programme.

Choose your focus

If you are looking for accommodation in Dellstedt, you can make your choice based on what you want to focus on during the day: the moor trail and observation tower, the cycling connections, or Moorgut Dellstedt and its history of extraction.

Discover more destinations

Eddelak, Lunden, Hörst, Albersdorf, Schafstedt, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog, Lehe, Westerdeichstrich

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