Dörphof: Baltic Sea Beach and Nature Reserve

Dörphof brings together two distinct landscape features to consider when planning a trip: a long, sandy Baltic Sea beach and the Schwansener See Nature Reserve. The beach activities and seasonal birdlife offer different ways to enjoy the area: time by the sea on one hand, and a protected natural area on the other. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these is more important for your trip.

Schwansener See Nature Reserve

Most of the 240-hectare Schwansener See Nature Reserve lies within Dörphof; the area is part of the Natura 2000 network. Its landscape features include reed beds, salt meadows, wet hollows, a beach ridge and shallow Baltic Sea waters. It therefore ranges from wet habitats to coastal landforms and shallow water. The reserve encompasses more than just open water.

Many waterbirds and waders use the area to rest and feed in autumn and spring. Tufted ducks and pochards also rest at Schwansener See during the day. These details make the seasons a useful aspect of trip planning if you are interested in birdlife.

Respect for nature and following the rules on paths are part of planning a visit here. Please keep quiet around nesting birds. From 15 March to 17 July, the breeding season, you must stay on designated paths; the beach ridge is off-limits during this period. If your visit falls within these dates, check the local guidance in advance and follow the rules.

Baltic Sea Beach in Dörphof

Dörphof’s long, sandy Baltic Sea beach is suitable for swimming, sunbathing and walking. You can plan to spend time in the water, sunbathe or go for a walk. Which of these takes centre stage depends on how you would like to spend your stay.

Rendsburg-Eckernförde as a wider regional setting

The wider destination of Rendsburg-Eckernförde offers a different perspective: the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde has 55 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline and a 1,000-kilometre network of signposted cycle routes. The district is also home to four nature parks. The 180-kilometre Nature Park Hiking Trail passes through all four. They consist largely of nature and landscape conservation areas and provide habitats for a diverse range of animal and plant life.

The Westensee-Obere Eider Nature Park is characterised by numerous lake complexes in the Schleswig-Holstein Uplands. It includes Westensee, which covers around 7 km² and is a popular destination for day trips. The banks of the Eider in the nature park provide habitat for kingfishers; Dosenmoor is also home to distinctive flora and fauna.

At 98 metres high, Aschberg offers views on a clear day stretching to the Kiel Canal, Eckernförde Bay and the state capital, Kiel. The E1 European long-distance hiking trail also passes through the Hüttener Berge and Brekendorfer Wald and over Aschberg. It is marked along its entire length with a white St Andrew’s cross.

Discover more destinations: Aukrug, Ascheffel, Rumohr, Mühbrook, Rickert, Bordesholm, Alt Duvenstedt, Krummwisch.

Back to the wider travel guide: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.