Discover Engelbrechtsche Wildnis

Engelbrechtsche Wildnis brings together a distinctive history as marshland, the Rhin, vegetable growing and recurring events. The name “Wildnis” tells a story of the landscape’s past; the central watercourse and fertile marsh soils also reflect the area’s agricultural character. There are several ways to plan your trip: explore historic traces, learn about vegetable growing, or enjoy activities and events around the Rhin.

A landscape with a history

The area was embanked in 1615; the name “Wildnis” remained as part of its landscape history. Johannes Joachim Engelbrecht bought Wildnis in 1860. Since 1861, the area has been known as Engelbrechtsche Wildnis. This sequence shows how closely the place name is connected with the history of the landscape.

The Poppenhuus, a historic farmhouse, offers another piece of history. Its name refers to a doll that a former owner placed in the gable. The local history thus encompasses both the development of the marsh landscape and an unusual little explanation for a name passed down through the generations.

The Rhin and vegetable growing

The Rhin is the central watercourse of Engelbrechtsche Wildnis. Fertile marsh soils lie around it, where vegetables are grown. The watercourse and cultivation are two distinct but closely landscape-related features: the Rhin shapes the character of the place, while vegetable growing illustrates how the land is used.

Gemüsehof Hauschildt gives a closer look at the area’s agricultural focus. Vegetables are grown outdoors on around 32 hectares, alongside additional production under glass and in a polytunnel. According to the family records, vegetable growing on the farm began in 1903. A virtual tour of the farm offers a digital glimpse into this part of the area’s past and present.

Sport, water and events

The Wildnis-Cup features running and canoe competitions on and alongside the Rhin. The programme includes a relay race around the Rhin and a 500-metre canoe sprint in front of the Poppenhuus. Several competitions for small and large teams are also part of the event. The family and children’s programme includes games on a meadow; the exact activities may vary from one edition to the next.

“Rhin in Flammen” offers a different kind of event: a lantern procession around the Rhin in Engelbrechtsche Wildnis, accompanied by music and illuminated boats. The Wildnis-Cup and “Rhin in Flammen” are recurring events. Since 2018, the Wildnis-Cup has been held at Poppenhus. Check the dates and venue for each edition before your trip, as these details may change.

There are also activities on the water outside the event programme. Fishing is possible on the banks of the Rhin; local permits and regulations may apply. If you want to canoe on the Rhin, you will need to rent a canoe. Check rental availability and access locally in advance, as these details are part of planning your trip.

In the wider Steinburg destination

The wider Steinburg destination encompasses landscapes stretching from the Elbe to the Holsteiner Auenland. The Elbe Cycle Route is one of five long-distance cycle routes that run through the Steinburg district. This provides a regional context for planning your trip without taking the focus away from the distinctive history and experiences of Engelbrechtsche Wildnis.

The Steinburg destination also offers other cultural highlights: the Detlefsen Museum in Glückstadt provides a comprehensive picture of Glückstadt and the Holstein Elbe marshes, past and present. Wacken hosts the Wacken Open Air every year at its festival site; it is one of the largest heavy metal festivals in the world. Dates and ticket details change from year to year, so check them for your travel dates.

Plan your stay to suit you

A clear priority can help you choose your accommodation: if you want to attend an event, plan around the dates and programme of that edition. The history of the landscape, vegetable growing and activities on the Rhin offer more ideas for your stay. Then match the location of your chosen accommodation with the places and dates that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Breitenburg, Wulfsmoor, Wacken, Glückstadt, Kaaks, Kollmar, Krempermoor, Nortorf

Go to the wider travel overview: Steinburg.