Gelting – Discover Nature and History

Gelting brings together the landscape of the Geltinger Birk, a rich history and distinctive local traditions. With trails through diverse habitats, historic buildings and regional culture, you can choose different focuses for your trip. When choosing accommodation, it is also worth considering in advance whether you mainly want to explore nature or discover cultural history.

Nature and trails around Gelting

The 773-hectare Geltinger Birk nature reserve lies northeast of Gelting. Dunes, marshland, heath, moorland and open woodland shape the landscape. You can explore these diverse habitats along the trails; with a little luck, you may see Highland cattle and Konik horses grazing on the natural pastures. Guided walks are also offered for the Geltinger Birk in the wider Schleswig-Flensburg travel destination, sharing interesting information about the flora and fauna.

Several circular routes of varying lengths are available for planning your outings. The Krebs circular route covers about six kilometres from Gelting via Lehbek, Gut Ohrfeld and Wackerballig, returning to Gelting. Route Schwan is also around six kilometres long: it starts in Wackerballig, passes through Düstnishy and the Nordschauwald, and returns to Wackerballig. Route Biene covers approximately eight kilometres, running from Gelting through Sillekjer, Rabenholz and the Holmkjer Forest before returning to Gelting. The Geltinger Birk circular route is about twelve kilometres long. It can be accessed at Geltinger Noor and at the Charlotte Mill, as well as at the Falshöft Lighthouse. This lets you compare the routes by their length and the stages listed for each one.

Church, estate and mill: local history

St. Catherine’s Church is believed to have been built shortly after 1300. During a major renovation in 1793, the chancel was enlarged; the organ was completely restored in 2007. The church also houses a former high altar scene dating from 1520 to 1530. It was carved by a master from the circle of Lübeck sculptor Claus Berg. The details from different periods offer several points of interest for those interested in cultural history—from the church’s presumed date of construction to the early 16th-century artwork.

Gut Gelting, also known as Gelting Castle, is about 800 years old and is one of the oldest estates in Angeln. The manor house is privately owned and not open to visitors; nevertheless, check access again before your trip. Charlotte Mill offers a different glimpse into the past, at the entrance to Geltinger Noor and the Geltinger Birk. It was built in 1826 to drain the Noor and grind grain. The mill is privately owned and has been converted into a holiday home. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check its private-use status again before your trip.

Local culture and accommodation

Music and regional food culture are also part of Gelting’s character: the Gelting Shanty Choir preserves traditional shanties associated with 19th-century seafaring. In Gelting, Angler Muck is considered a typical hot winter drink. So, alongside nature trails, local traditions and seasonal experiences can also feature in your trip.

One specific accommodation option is Wackerballig Campsite, right on the beach of Gelting Bay. It offers 30 tourist pitches for caravans and tents. As the number of pitches and the facilities may change, check the latest information before your trip.

More culture in the wider Schleswig-Flensburg travel destination

Schleswig-Flensburg has cultural attractions beyond Gelting’s local history, too. Haithabu and the Danevirke have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since June 2018; more than 25 kilometres of the rampart at the Danevirke still remain today. The Idstedt Historic Memorial and Museum provides information about German-Danish history surrounding the uprising of 1848 and the Battle of Idstedt. These places add to the regional picture without replacing Gelting’s distinctive nature and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hürup, Harrislee, Schafflund, Gelting Bay, Langballig, Kappeln, Schleswig, Arensharde.

Back to the wider travel guide: Schleswig-Flensburg.