Katharinenhof: Natural Beach, Cliff Coast and History

Katharinenhof brings together a nature-shaped coastline and cultural-historical landmarks from distinctly different periods. Stones and the cliff coast behind it define the landscape at the natural beach; the manor house and the ancient dolmen add their own historical accents. If you are looking for a hotel, you can decide in advance what interests you most about this destination: the Baltic Sea coast, outdoor activities or Fehmarn’s past. The following features will help you assess these different priorities.

Natural Beach and Cliff Coast

Katharinenhof’s natural beach is especially popular with stone hunters and collectors. Behind the beach is a cliff coast that drops steeply to the sea by about five metres in some places. The approximate height refers to individual locations. Woodland lies above the cliffs; together with the stony beach, it gives the coast its natural and idyllic character. From the cliffs, the view stretches far across the Baltic Sea, high above the water. Erosion also naturally changes the coastline. Two perspectives are helpful when considering the coast: the natural beach is especially associated with stones and collecting, while the cliffs offer an elevated view across the sea.

Hiking and Cycling

The cliffs are suitable for hiking. You can also explore sections of the wider cliff coast by bicycle. When comparing the options, consider not only how you get around but also the landscape involved: the cliffs here, and stretches of a larger coastal area there. If you are weighing up both activities, you can take these different connections into account when planning your trip. Hiking and exploring by bicycle thus offer two different ways to engage with the coastal landscape.

Manor House and Ancient Dolmen

The historic manor house in Katharinenhof was built in 1756; relics from earlier times have been preserved there to this day. The building is thus associated with a specific year of construction. The ancient dolmen of Katharinenhof belongs to a much earlier period: it is a prehistoric megalithic tomb dating from between 3500 and 2800 BC, also known as the Katharinenhof V megalithic site. Its dating does not indicate a single point in time, but a span of several centuries. The comparison therefore brings together two different historical scales: a construction date in the 18th century and a prehistoric classification spanning a longer period. When comparing historical topics, this difference between a specific construction year and a time span is a useful point of reference.

The ancient dolmen is located near Hinrichsberg, which, at 27.9 metres, is the highest elevation on Fehmarn. This adds a named geographical reference to the megalithic tomb’s historical dating. The height refers to Hinrichsberg; the tomb is located in relation to its proximity to this elevation. The dolmen therefore brings together an archaeological date and a geographical reference, without these two features describing the same thing.

Discover more destinations: Neujellingsdorf, Bisdorf, Marienleuchte, Orth Auf Fehmarn, Altjellingsdorf, Meeschendorf, Bannesdorf, Gammendorf

Go to the main travel overview: Fehmarn.