Top 20 Natural Monuments around Nordstrand

The Beltringharder Koog is the largest nature reserve on the mainland of Schleswig-Holstein and covers around 3,350 hectares. It is located near the Nordstrand Bay and was dammed in 1987 as part of a coastal protection project. Originally designed as a retention area for floods, the Koog has developed into an important habitat for many bird species and is now a true paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists. The diverse landscape of the Beltringharder Koog includes saltwater lagoons, wet meadows and wilderness areas. These different biotopes provide an ideal habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Countless waders and water birds can be observed here, especially during the migration periods in spring and autumn. There are numerous ways for visitors to explore the Beltringharder Koog. Well-developed walking and hiking trails lead through the area and provide impressive views of nature. There are also bird watching huts that offer an undisturbed view of the wildlife. The West Coast Integrated Station also offers informative exhibitions and guided tours that provide deeper insights into nature conservation and the ecology of the region. The Beltringharder Koog is an outstanding example of successful coastal and nature conservation in Germany. It not only offers valuable protection from storm surges, but also an important refuge for endangered animal and plant species. For nature lovers and bird watchers, the Koog is a worthwhile destination that offers unique nature experiences.

The 5km out to Hamburger Hallig are well worth it. The concrete slabs are well grouted and are definitely suitable for racing bikes. At the end is the Hallig-Krog restaurant - highly recommended. In the season it fills up quickly after opening.

The Hamburger Hallig is a non-dyked peninsula on the west coast of the Nordfriesland district in Schleswig-Holstein. The name of the Hallig is reminiscent of two Hamburg merchants, the brothers Rudolf and Arnold Amsinck. In 1624 they acquired the dyke rights on the northeast corner of the island of Strand as Oktroy and built dykes by 1628. This is how the Amsinck-Koog was created. The dikes were destroyed by the Burchardi flood in 1634. Only the terp with the “Hamburger Haus” remained and became a salvation for numerous Strand residents during the storm surge. After 1634, the dikes were rebuilt at great expense and survivors of the flood settled. In 1658 Arnold Amsinck died in the “Hamburger Haus” in his Koog after he had invested his entire fortune in rebuilding the dykes. In 1661 the house was demolished and replaced by a smaller one. What happened was described in literature by the Husum writer Albert Petersen in his novel Arnold Amsinck (1921). In 1711 the dikes were so destroyed that the Amsinck-Koog was a Hallig again. It remained in the possession of the Amsinck family until 1760. The name “Hamburger Hallig” was first mentioned in 1781. The house on the Hallig was destroyed by the February flood of 1825. In 1855 a dam connecting the island to the mainland was planned. The dam was built in 1859/60, but broke again in 1860. In 1866/67 a bush dam was built from Bordelumersiel to Hallig. This dam was fortified in 1874 and added a spillway that was closed in 1875. Due to the interruption of the tidal flows, the silt formation on both sides of the dam was greatly accelerated. The experience gained here has had a decisive influence on the further development of land reclamation. In 1878 the tax authorities bought the Hallig and from then on leased it for management. In 1880 an artesian well was built. The dam has been navigable since 1901. In 1908 the Hallig was 96 hectares in size. On April 16, 1930, it was 216 hectares in size including the dyke foreland and was declared a nature reserve. The Hamburger Hallig is no longer an island since it was connected to the mainland by a causeway in 1860. While a land connection via a dam does not, by definition, turn an island into a peninsula, the salt marshes in front of the dam are added here. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger_Hallig

beautiful view of the Wadden Sea

The wide view is indescribably beautiful!

Island feeling on the mainland.

From this dike, you reach infinite horizons. You have views of the sea, but also of the halligens and the Beltringharder Koog. As you evolve near mudflats, many sea wading birds better known as wading birds are visible. Oystercatchers, curlews, sandpipers, sandpipers. All these birds find their pantries in the mud. You also see many sheep. The salty grass they eat makes their meats tastier.

Great piece out into the Watt. Not quite as ideal for the road bike. Always busy.