Süderhöft between marshland, geest and the Treene

Süderhöft lies between marshland and geest. A bridge over the Treene leads into the Stapelholm landscape. This offers different perspectives for a trip: the river and paddling, trails through a landscape shaped by wetlands, and history in the surrounding towns.

River and wetland landscape

The wider Eider-Treene-Sorge region features broad low-lying grasslands, moors, reed beds, wet meadows and shallow lakes. It is also home to many rare animal and plant species adapted to wetlands. In the wider area, the Treene flows through embanked marshland and can reach up to 25 metres in width.

The Treene is considered a family-friendly river for paddling. The Eider-Treene-Sorge canoeing area has numerous rest stops and clear tourist signage. A canoe trip follows the Treene through Hollingstedt and Fresendelf; paddlers can also continue their trip beyond Süderhöft. In Stapel, there are landing places for canoes on both the Eider and the Treene. Süderstapel has two harbours for cruising yachts.

Motorboats are subject to a restriction on the Treene: they are permitted only between Friedrichstadt and the old Süderhöft NATO bridge on the K56. Check this rule locally before setting out. This helps distinguish paddling options from the explicitly restricted motorboat stretch when planning.

Trails through Stapelholm

Cyclists and nature lovers can use Stapelholm’s network of well-developed trails through wet meadows and gentle hills. The Stapelholmer Weg offers a different focus: this hiking route, approximately 100 kilometres long, follows the Treene through small villages and to culturally significant places. This gives you a choice between trails through the landscape and a longer hike that follows the river.

Churches, nature watching and history

In nearby Schwabstedt, St. Jakobi opens its richly decorated nave to visitors during the day. The intricately carved altar dates from the 16th century. Nearby, the path to the bell tower offers a view across the Treene towards Friedrichstadt. Storks nest on the church roof and can be observed from close by.

Another church awaits you in nearby Süderstapel: St. Katharinen dates from the 12th century and is visible from the river. In Schwabstedt, a megalithic tomb from the Neolithic period is a reminder that people lived in the area around 5,000 years ago. Local tradition also tells of Meye Muhl, who is said to have been burned as the “Witch of Süderhöft” in Schwabstedt in 1619.

Water and beach activities also round out the excursions. In Schwabstedt, the Treenebad offers swimming in the Treene. The natural beach in nearby Süderstapel has sports facilities, fishing opportunities and a children’s playground. Before visiting, check the local conditions for daytime access to the church and for swimming and beach activities.

Choose the focus of your trip

This lets you tailor your search to the experiences you have planned, without combining the different excursions into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hattstedt, Galmsbüll, Gröde, Tetenbüll, Simonsberg, Holm, Pellworm, Stedesand.

Go to the main travel overview: Nordfriesland.