Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog: Land Reclamation and Settlement History

Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog represents a precisely dated history of land reclamation. As the last Koog built for land reclamation in Schleswig-Holstein, it connects the creation of new land with settlement, agriculture and a striking landscape. This offers different perspectives for your trip: the history of dyke construction, family continuity on farms and nature experiences in the Wiedingharde.

Land reclamation with clear milestones

The dyke was closed on 21 October 1954, making it possible to settle and cultivate the new Koog. A dyke built across the tidal flats measured 8.5 kilometres. The area was settled from 1957 to 1959. The newly reclaimed Koog provided 1,350 hectares of fertile agricultural land. A single date, a settlement period spanning several years and a specific land area thus sit side by side—three different perspectives on land reclamation.

Farms, families and a cultural connection

Of the 41 farms established in the Koog, about half were allocated to refugees. Another figure illustrates the continuity of agriculture: around half of the farms are still run by families of the first settlers in the second and third generations. The Werner Weckwerth Museum was established in 2001 and houses the legacy of painter Werner Weckwerth. Alongside land reclamation and agriculture, it offers a cultural point of interest.

Landscape and nature experiences

Numerous wind turbines shape the Koog’s appearance today. They provide a contemporary accent in a landscape whose creation is closely connected with dyke construction and fertile agricultural land. Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog is part of the Wiedingharde. There, you can experience nature in the national park, stroll along the dyke and observe birds in a nature reserve near the Wadden Sea.

In the nearby Rickelsbüller Koog, thousands of migratory birds stop over between autumn and spring. The specific birds you can see vary from year to year. Guided walking, birdwatching and cycling tours are offered in and around the Rickelsbüller Koog; availability depends on the current programme. Guided walks of approximately 2.5 kilometres take you around the nearby Gotteskoog Lake; these tours also depend on the current programme. Seasonal bird stopovers, programme-dependent guided tours and the approximate tour length provide different points of reference for planning your day.

Getting your bearings locally and in North Frisia

At the Wiedingharde Information Centre in Klanxbüll, you can get visitor tips and information about regional services; you can also rent bicycles there. Check the opening hours before setting off.

North Frisia offers another regional perspective: the region has 441 kilometres of coastline. The five North Frisian islands in Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park include Sylt, Föhr and Amrum. These coastal and island themes broaden the focus beyond the history of the Koog.

This lets you choose a destination based on the topics that interest you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Husum, Arlewatt, Mildstedt, Achtrup, Immenstedt, Hattstedtermarsch, Ahrenviölfeld, Ostenfeld.

Back to the main travel overview: North Frisia.