Bohmstedt: Haaks Forest, Trails and Local History
Accommodation in Bohmstedt
Bohmstedt combines woodland scenery, cycling and canoeing experiences with a distinctive local history. Trails cross the Geest and marshland and follow the Ostenau; historic landmarks and regional culinary connections round out the experience. When planning a trip, you can focus on activity, scenery or culture: the routes described offer a variety of impressions, from forest to marsh meadows.
Haaks Forest and the surrounding landscape
Haaks Forest lies on the eastern edge of the village. The Haaks cooperative forest was established in 1896, covers approximately 96 hectares and serves as a local recreational area. Its significance is also reflected in the routes that pass through or alongside Haaks farmers’ forest.
The landscape can also be seen along other routes: one crosses the Maase marsh to Haaks farmers’ forest and returns via the Geest ridge. Another crosses the Geest ridge, follows the Ostenau lowlands to Poddam and passes Lehmkuhle on the way back. Drelsdorf Forest and Haaks farmers’ forest are also along a described walking and cycling route. Near Ahrenshöft, some former gravel pits are now water-filled habitats for plants and animals.
Cycling and walking routes
A 2021 leaflet lists the 43-kilometre Söbenbargen Route, which starts at the village square, Bi de Kass, in Bohmstedt. Check the local signposting before setting out. After Ahrenshöft and Bohmstedt, the route passes through the Arlau flood meadows, where you can see how the marsh was formed.
Other walking and cycling routes have their own points of interest: one follows the Ostenau and passes the bathing pond. Another route crosses Söbenbargen, passing burial mounds and the Waldheim inn, before returning to Bohmstedt. These landmarks combine natural and scenic impressions with traces of history, although not every route has the same focus.
The Arlau and swimming options
The Söbenbargen cycling route can be combined with a canoe trip on the Arlau. The section from the Bohmstedt marsh to the Arlau lock is navigable year-round, although water levels and safety conditions may vary by season. There are six canoe launch points between these locations. Before setting out, check water conditions, the availability of launch points and boat rental options.
Swimming options associated with Bohmstedt include outdoor pools in Drelsdorf, Breklum and Bredstedt, as well as LĂĽttmoorsiel on the North Sea. Opening times and access may vary seasonally, so check the conditions before going for a swim.
Local history and food
The village’s history also offers distinctive points of interest. The Friesentag, a local heritage festival organised by the North Frisian Association, was held in Bohmstedt on 18 and 19 September 1976. The Bohmstedt Guidelines were announced in 1926 at an annual meeting of the North Frisian Association in Bohmstedt and attracted attention beyond North Frisia.
Local dining options associated with Bohmstedt include Paulsen’s Landhotel and Restaurant and the Waldheim inn in Haaks Forest. One route also leads to the Deichshörn inn, known for homemade cake and North Frisian specialities. Dining options may change.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Norderfriedrichskoog, Tating, Schwabstedt, Behrendorf, Goldebek, Ockholm, Tetenbüll, Sönnebüll
Go to the main travel overview: North Frisia.
