Groven on the Eider: Nature, Water and History

Groven reveals the Eider as both a natural environment and a shaped landscape: dikes, a stream and a pumping station sit alongside the Wollersum bathing area and traces of former harbour and ferry use. The area also includes parts of the Untereider nature reserve, which are important for numerous wading and water birds. Exploring Groven brings you face to face with the many different aspects of life by the water.

Water management and landscape along the Untereider

Groven’s five districts were brought together to form one municipality in 1936. The Nesserdeich pumping station is a striking example of the relationship between landscape and water management. It stands right beside the stream behind the Eider dike and drains land west of the old B 5 on the stretch from Lundener Koog to Rehm-Flehde-Bargen and Hemme. Its location illustrates how the stream, dike and technical water regulation are interconnected in this landscape.

Groven includes parts of the Untereider Nordfeld to Tönning Natura 2000 management plan area. The area includes the Eider’s waters, tidal mudflats, wet grassland, floodplains, ditches and smaller bodies of water. The protected Untereider habitat is an important resting, moulting and breeding area for numerous wading and water birds. The natural environment is therefore shaped not only by open water, but also by wet meadows and smaller bodies of water.

Groven is part of the Eider river landscape in Dithmarschen, which links geest, marsh, moorland and woodland along the Eider. The landscape of this region features expansive meadows, moors, small valleys, pumping stations, thatched houses, stork nests, hedgerows and sheep on the Eider dike. Restaurants serving regional dishes are also part of the culinary offerings of the Eider landscape in Dithmarschen.

Wollersum: bathing area and traces of former uses

Wollersum is part of Groven and combines a natural bathing area on the Eider with the history of the former Eider harbour. Swimmers from neighbouring villages also use the bathing area. When the old bathing jetty was renovated, its length towards the Eider was reduced by half. The former ferry service has also left visible traces: there used to be a wooden landing jetty at the former ferry landing. Its remaining piles can still be seen in the bed of the Eider when the water level is exceptionally low.

Fishing permits for the Lunden/Lehe club waters at Nesserdeich and Wollersum are available to anglers. Before your trip, check the points of sale and the applicable fishing rules. This will ensure that your plans take account of the specific conditions for this offering.

Cycling and regional excursions

Wollersum is a stop on the “Experience the Cultural and River Landscape” cycle route. For longer rides, Dithmarschen offers more than 1,200 kilometres of signposted cycle paths between the North Sea, Elbe, Eider and Kiel Canal. The wealth of regional cycling routes and the specific stop in Wollersum are two distinct points of reference: one describes the wider touring area, while the other connects the route to a named place in Groven.

The Eider itself can also shape the focus of your stay: Wollersum is known for swimming and its former harbour and ferry use, while Nesserdeich puts water management and the landscape behind the dike in the foreground. If you are travelling together, these themes can help you sort out everyone’s interests before choosing accommodation in Groven.

Getting here and choosing accommodation

Groven is accessible via the B 5 access roads near Hemme or Karolinenkoog. When choosing accommodation, you might first consider whether you associate Groven mainly with the bathing area, birdlife, water management or a cycling tour. This helps you tailor your search to the character you want to prioritise on your trip, without having to combine all the different themes into a single excursion itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Bargenstedt, Arkebek, Schülp, Marne, Wesselburen, Trennewurth, Bergewöhrden, Reinsbüttel.

For the regional travel overview: Dithmarschen.