Petersdorf: Church, Culture and Beach
Accommodation in Petersdorf
Petersdorf combines history and culture with a shallow natural sandy beach and a lively festival tradition. One of its most impressive landmarks is St. Johannis Church: it dates back to the 13th century, and its 64-meter-high tower is visible up to 20 miles out to sea. It served as a daytime landmark for ships in the Belt and the Sound. There are also special works of art to discover inside.
Church History and Island Culture
St. Johannis Church is home to a particularly valuable 15th-century altarpiece, an old Gotland limestone baptismal font and a Gothic triptych from the 14th century. The triptych is considered a major work of Gothic woodcarving and sculptural art. The church and adjoining cemetery are surrounded by 64 lime trees, creating a striking setting for this historic ensemble.
Petersdorf is also part of the 41-kilometer Church Tour on Fehmarn. On the tour, you can visit four historic churches: as well as St. Johannis Church in Petersdorf, there are churches in Landkirchen, Burg and Bannesdorf. This makes a visit to the village church part of a wider exploration of the island’s other historic churches.
Another way to experience the culture is at Alte Schule Petersdorf, an island cultural center. It regularly offers courses and meetups, as well as a wide range of events. The SĂĽdermĂĽhle adds another historic building to the village: it is a Dutch-style windmill built in 1893.
Natural Sandy Beach and Rapeseed Blossom Festival
Fehmarn’s Petersdorf bathing spot is characterized by an extensive, shallow natural sandy beach with dunes. The shallow sandbanks are ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Alongside the historical and cultural attractions, spending time by the water is another option.
The annual Rapeseed Blossom Festival is a special time of year in Petersdorf. When the rapeseed fields bloom in May, the celebrations last for three days, with music, performers and numerous stalls. The festival also includes the coronation of the new Rapeseed Blossom Queen and Rapeseed Blossom Princess. If you’re considering visiting Petersdorf for this event, you can check the exact festival dates before making plans.
Which side of Petersdorf will shape your trip?
When choosing accommodation in Petersdorf, your travel interests can help you decide: Would you like to focus mainly on church history and art, spend time at the beach, or explore cultural offerings and the Rapeseed Blossom Festival? These themes give you a concrete basis for weighing up whether Petersdorf is right for the trip you’re planning. For initial orientation on site, there is an information point open around the clock, with free informational materials.
Discover more destinations: Sulsdorf, Marienleuchte, Dänschendorf on Fehmarn, Püttsee, Wenkendorf, Puttgarden, Katharinenhof, Klausdorf
Back to the main travel overview: Fehmarn.
