Appen between moorland and nature experiences

Moorland, biodiversity and nature education give Appen several distinct points of interest. Tävsmoor leads into a larger protected area; at Gut Schäferhof, information, wildlife observation and hands-on learning come together. There are also cycling routes in the Wedeler Au Regional Park and the first documented mention of Appen, dating from 1269. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering which focus you would like to shape your stay: moorland and biodiversity, a learning garden, cycling or local history.

Moorland and biodiversity

Tävsmoor is the northern part of the approximately 150-hectare Tävsmoor/Haselauer Moor Nature Reserve and is located in Appen. Tävsmoor drains into the Pinnau via the Appener Beek. To understand the species numbers, it is important to consider the protected area as a whole: more than 300 species of vascular plants grow there, including at least 40 fern and flowering plant species listed on Schleswig-Holstein’s Red List. More than 100 bird species have also been observed in the entire protected area; 53 breeding bird species are documented. The diversity of plants and birdwatching thus offer two distinct nature-focused activities.

When visiting the nature reserve, please stay on the paths; dogs must be kept on a leash. Appener See is a former gravel pit.

Discover nature at Gut Schäferhof

The Gut Schäferhof Nature Experience Area shares knowledge about local nature through several information stations, a show and teaching garden, and an observation station by the lake. The teaching garden has interactive stations where visitors can learn about nature. One striking feature is the “herb person”: a herb bed shaped like a person. Schäferhof is considered an excursion destination and plays a role in environmental education. Its features offer different points of focus: information, hands-on learning in the garden and observation by the lake. When comparing these topics for your trip, you can consider the teaching garden as a different focus from observing species in the nature reserve.

Local history and local archive

The first documented mention of Appen is in a deed of donation by Heinrich von Barmstede, dated September 19, 1269. The Appen local archive is located in the municipal rooms at Gärtnerstraße 10. It is a five-minute walk from the Bouhlentwiete bus stop. Visits should be arranged by email. This gives local history its own place in your planning alongside moorland and nature education: the archive is a specific point of interest for anyone interested in Appen’s past.

Regional Park: nature and cycling routes

Appen is part of the cross-border Wedeler Au Regional Park. Its projects promote nature conservation and nature-based recreation. The regional park has signposted cycling routes through meadows, pastures, forests and tree nurseries. Three themed routes are called the Elbe Route, the Dune Route and the Forest Route. For planning an outing, you can choose between two different ways to enjoy nature: the nature reserve has clear rules for visitors to follow, while the regional park routes focus on cycling and the landscape. Consider which of these themes best suits your plans for the day.

If you first sort out your interests, you can then search more specifically for accommodation for your trip to Appen.

Pinneberg offers its own highlights

The wider destination of Pinneberg has other distinct attractions. Pinneberger Fahlt is a wooded area and local recreation area in Pinneberg City Forest, used for walking, jogging and sports activities. Pinneberg’s tree park features 26 “Trees of the Year.” The idea originated as part of the International Garden Show igs Hamburg 2013, in the Pinneberger Baumschulland exhibition area. The Drostei is the cultural centre of Pinneberg district and hosts exhibitions, concerts and literary events. This allows you to explore nature and culture in Appen and Pinneberg separately, according to your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Heist, Borstel-Hohenraden, Bevern, Quickborn, Halstenbek, Hasloh, Holm, Kummerfeld.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Pinneberg.