Borsfleth between village history and waterways

Borsfleth brings together river landscapes and village history: the Elbe, Stör and Kremper Au flow through the village. At the entrance to the village, the old Verlath lock and its bridge over the Kremper Au form a distinctive landmark. The street scene also has historic features: one of the last brick-paved streets in Steinburg district runs through the parish village. Water, routes and architectural history thus offer different themes for a trip.

Village Scene and St. Urban Church

St. Urban Church was first documented in 1307. Its 40-metre-high tower was built in 1899—two dates that mark different chapters in the church’s history. The church’s oldest piece of inventory is a Romanesque granite baptismal font. An Ecce Homo painting from the former Baroque altar, dating from 1646, is also displayed in the church.

Further details make the furnishings especially vivid: the carved oak pulpit dates from 1638 and was made in the workshop of Jürgen Heitmann in Wilster. It was donated by the Möller family. The altar area also features the painting A Picture for Peace from 1983, a work by Borsfleth painter Kokemüller. South of the church stands the thatched parsonage, a Husmanshus or Krüzhus dating from 1816.

Borsfleth’s history therefore offers several specific points of interest: its medieval record, historic architecture and works of art from different centuries. The parsonage is also part of the historic character of the parish village. Those interested in such details can connect them in their minds with a walk through the village and its old street scene.

By Bike, on Foot or on the Water

Guided cycling routes run through meadows and fields in Borsfleth. The Mönchsweg also passes through the village. One route with a specified distance is the 46-kilometre Stör-Törn cycle tour, which passes through Borsfleth along the Stör dyke. At 46 kilometres, the Stör-Törn is the only one of the other village routes mentioned to have a stated distance.

Rural walking trails follow the dykes and pass through the Stöpen. Canoeing on the Elbe and Stör is available in Borsfleth. The village’s connection to the water also includes a purpose-built marina operated by the SSVB. The options therefore have clearly distinct focuses: dyke paths and the Stöpen define the walking option, the Stör-Törn is a long cycle tour, and the Elbe and Stör are the named waterways for canoeing.

When planning a trip, you can first decide what you would like to focus on: village history, or perhaps activities along the dykes and on the water. This question can also help guide your search for accommodation, without assuming that any particular option is available.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Borsfleth is connected to the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV). Bus stops in the village provide connections towards Itzehoe and Glückstadt; rail connections are available from Krempe or Glückstadt. As transport information can change, we recommend checking current connections for your travel date. This lets you consider your journey alongside your planned routes and activities.

Steinburg as a Wider Regional Context

In the wider destination of Steinburg, the Elbe Cycle Route is one of five long-distance cycle routes that pass through the district. In Glückstadt, the Detlefsen Museum offers a comprehensive picture of the town and the Holstein Elbe marshes, past and present. These regional themes complement the view of Borsfleth: here, the focus is on St. Urban Church, the village scene and the routes along rivers and dykes.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Stördorf, Kellinghusen, Puls, Breitenburg, Krempe, Heiligenstedten, Wewelsfleth, Dägeling.

Go to the wider travel overview: Steinburg.