Haseldorf: Marshland, Orchard Meadow and History

Haseldorf brings together the expansive marsh landscape on the Elbe, historic buildings, an old orchard meadow and a wide range of nature-related attractions. The Haseldorfer Marsch lies between the Pinnau and Elbe rivers. It includes the Haseldorfer Binnenelbe with Elbvorland nature reserve, a tidal, embanked river landscape. Nature watching, culture and routes on foot or by bike each offer a different focus here.

Nature between the Pinnau and Elbe rivers

The marsh is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. Up to 300 pairs of grey herons and just as many cormorants breed here. Birdwatchers may also have the chance to spot rare species. Those who would first like an overview of habitats and species can explore a range of starting points: the Elbmarschenhaus introduces visitors to the natural and cultural landscape of the marshes through its exhibition and outdoor grounds.

The Elbmarschenhaus’s 7,000-square-metre outdoor grounds are freely accessible and designed as a nature experience area. The NABU Nature Centre in Haseldorf Scholenfleth explains the habitats and the animal and plant life of the nature reserve. Its grounds feature an insect hotel, a butterfly garden and an herb bed, as well as an orchard meadow with raised beds and a willow tunnel tipi. The nature centre offers talks and guided tours for groups.

Crafts, fruit and historic sites

At the 1764 Bandreißerkate, visitors can see the traditional craft of making barrel hoops from willow. The historic building also provides a setting for cultural events, including concerts and readings. Another side of the area can be seen at the freely accessible, two-hectare orchard meadow beside Haseldorf Harbour. It is home to 180 historic fruit varieties. Named varieties include “Schöner aus Haseldorf,” “Seestermüher Zitronenapfel” and “Ananas Renette”; visitors may sample the fruit during the harvest season.

Haseldorf’s historic sites also have their own appeal: the castle was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by a park. In Gutspark Haseldorf, a historic avenue of lime trees leads through the park to the manor house. The park is freely accessible year-round; the buildings and the garden next to the house are private. Check the access conditions before your visit so you can distinguish the freely accessible park areas from the private areas.

On foot, by bike and searching for accommodation

The Haseldorf area has routes for walking and cycling. From Haseldorf Harbour, cyclists can follow the dike route via Hetlinger Schanze and Fährmannssand. Conditions on the route may change; check them before setting out. One cycling tour starts at the Elbmarschenhaus. Another follows the old dike to the Haseldorfer Binnenelbe nature reserve, passes the remains of Bishorst and the Pinnau flood barrier, and continues to Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest swing bridge and on to Haselau.

The places and activities offer different ways to explore the area, without promising the same experience across the board. If you would like to combine nature and culture, you can make your choices based on which of these themes interests you most while you are there.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Groß Offenseth-Aspern, Appen, Moorrege, Hasloh, Holm, Elmshorn, Bevern, Heist.

Back to the main travel overview: Pinneberg.