Krempermoor – Moorland and Peat History

Krempermoor combines moorland with the history of peat extraction. The moorland area, covering around 90 hectares, lies east of the railway. Peat-cutting pits and fishing ponds are part of the landscape, as are alder and birch carr forests, which are protected by law as biotopes. The moor is also designated as a landscape conservation area. Here, you can encounter traces of peat use alongside protected landscape features. Exploring the area lets you see nature and local history as two sides of the same landscape.

Tools, peat scooping and Moor Days

The history of peat extraction comes to life through the hand tools used: jager, stikker, bunt spade, kreite and a scoop were all employed. A local method was known as peat scooping. Peat soil was lifted from the peat pit using a three- to four-metre-long scoop pole and a net. The pole and net make it easy to picture this step in the process. The coat of arms also reflects the history of peat: a peat basket and a peat spade represent the wet peat extraction that continued until the 1960s.

Krempermoor’s Moor Days showcase the traditional scooping of peat and its processing into finished peat sods. The demonstrations focus both on lifting the material and on processing it further. The Moor Days are recurring cultural events, but their schedule may vary. If you would like to plan your stay around them, check the dates in advance.

Walks, fishing and seasonal ice skating

Ponds and their banks are used for recreation and fishing, and walks in the moor are another option. In winter, ice skating is also possible on frozen ponds. These activities offer different ways to spend your time: explore the moor on foot, spend time by the water or, when the ponds are frozen, plan to go skating. If you are planning for a group with different interests, this comparison can help you weigh up ideas for your stay. Ice skating, however, depends on the right seasonal conditions.

Marsh and geest on the Geestrand Tour

The Geestrand Tour also offers a view of Krempermoor’s landscape. After Neuenbrook, it follows the Moorwettern to Krempermoor. On the stretch between Neuenbrook and Krempermoor, the transition from the flat marsh to the gently rolling geest is particularly clear. For cyclists, this makes a distinct change in landscape the focus, setting it apart from the individual moor and pond attractions. If you are considering a cycling leg, this section offers a clear point of reference: here, the marsh and geest visibly blend into one another.

Choosing a location and getting there

When looking for accommodation, you can assess Krempermoor according to what you want your stay to focus on: moorland and peat history, fishing and walks, or the changing landscape along the Geestrand Tour. There are two different reference points for getting there: Krempermoor is connected to Itzehoe by bus, and Kremperheide station lies right on the northern edge of the village. If transport affects your choice, check connections for your travel dates and weigh them up alongside your planned activities. This makes it easier to choose a location based on the experiences that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations

If you would like to discover more destinations: Borsfleth, Wrist, Sankt Margarethen, Wewelsfleth, Moorhusen, Hennstedt, Poyenberg and Wulfsmoor.

For the broader travel overview: Steinburg.