Esgrus – Discover Church Art and Nature

A 38-metre-high church tower, Late Gothic vine ornamentation and a group of thirteen oaks offer tangible starting points for exploring culture and nature in Esgrus. Lectures, concerts, hikes and cycling tours also provide different ways to shape your stay.

St. Mary’s Church and Historic Art

St. Mary’s Church in Esgrus is a Romanesque fieldstone church dating from the 12th century. Its choir was enlarged around 1500, and the vaults feature Late Gothic vine ornamentation. The apse houses a carved winged altarpiece depicting the Crucifixion. Other works of art also reflect different periods of design: the 1619 bronze baptismal font is decorated with eight reliefs of apostles, while the 1681 Baroque pulpit features painted scenes from the life of Christ. Since 1725, galleries have surrounded the nave on its north and west sides. The building’s history, reliefs and paintings thus offer different details to discover in the same church.

Estate Ensembles and a Historic Garden

The municipality of Esgrus also highlights the Brunsholmhof and Frauenhof estate complexes as particularly impressive sights. The listed Frauenhof ensemble includes a manor house, a gatehouse, an entrance avenue and a row of lime trees. The churchyard of St. Mary’s is also listed as a historic garden and is connected to the church. Those interested in historic estates can explore not only the church building but also the interplay of the buildings and design features mentioned here.

Exploring on Foot, by Bike and Outdoors

Kleiner Hof am Meer in Esgrus offers an overnight trekking pitch. It is located in an orchard meadow near a small natural pond and is intended for travellers on foot or by bicycle. The site has an outdoor washroom with a shower, toilet and washbasin. Visitors can sample herbs from the herb garden; this experience may be available seasonally. Since availability and facilities can change, check both before booking.

The cultural and recreational programme also offers a range of options for planning your day. Ortskulturring Esgrus organises lectures, hikes and cycling tours, as well as painting workshops; exercise activities are offered as ongoing courses. Concerts are held at St. Mary’s. The activities “Sitting in Stillness” and “Light of Peace” are also associated with St. Mary’s. If you plan to take part in any of them, ask about the current dates in advance.

For walks, a hiking route leads north from Kirchberg towards Schadelund or Atzbüll. Check the local signs before setting out. Another natural attraction is a group of thirteen oaks designated as a natural monument. The oldest tree at Osterpforte is said to be more than 650 years old.

Match Your Interests to Your Accommodation Search

The offerings have different focuses: St. Mary’s Church and the estate complexes highlight architectural history and art, while hikes, cycling tours, oak trees and the trekking pitch may appeal more to travellers who enjoy spending time outdoors. Check the availability and facilities of the trekking option in advance; for activities associated with St. Mary’s, ask about the dates.

In the wider Schleswig-Flensburg destination

The wider Schleswig-Flensburg destination offers further, distinct themes for planning your trip. Haithabu and the Danevirke have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since June 2018. The Geltinger Birk is a natural highlight: at 773 hectares, it is the largest nature reserve in the Schleswig-Flensburg district. It has well-maintained paths and guided hikes that introduce visitors to the area’s flora and fauna.

Discover More Destinations

Quern, Stoltebüll, Maasholm, Steinberg, Steinbergkirche, Pommerby, Nieby, Rabel

Back to the wider travel overview: Gelting Bay.