Ausacker: Local history, nature nearby

Ausacker combines a distinct local history with natural attractions nearby. On the eastern edge of the village, the former watermill recalls how the Kielstau was used; nearby, the Winderatter See–Kielstau area offers a different perspective on the landscape and its habitats. These two points of interest are in different places: traces of the mill are in Ausacker, while the circular trail and nature trail are in the Winderatter See area. If you are considering Ausacker for a hotel stay, this distinction can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Landscape and nature trails at Winderatter See

The nearby Winderatter See–Kielstau landscape includes reed beds, sedge meadows, wet moorland and wet woodland, as well as old oak and beech hedgerows, small ponds, pastureland and farmland. Wet habitats and cultivated land lie side by side. The area is designated as a landscape protection area and a Natura 2000 site. The circular trail around Winderatter See is approximately five kilometres long. A nature trail with 22 information panels covers nature, species conservation, culture and history; there are also five designated picnic spots. The trail length gives you a rough idea for planning your time, while the panels cover several topics to explore as you learn about the surrounding area. As local trail conditions can change, check them before your visit.

The watermill and Ausacker’s local history

A watermill stood on the Kielstau on the eastern edge of Ausacker and operated from 1487 to 1845. This period firmly places the mill in the history of the village. When the lake was used to operate the mill, an earlier shoreline was created; stones still mark it today. The history of the mill is therefore also a trace of changes to the water and shoreline: it is not only the mill’s operation that matters, but also the landscape features created by its use.

Nature and history in the wider Schleswig-Flensburg destination

At 773 hectares in total, Geltinger Birk is the largest nature reserve in Schleswig-Flensburg district. It has well-developed paths and guided walks that introduce visitors to local flora and fauna. More than 130 bird species can be observed on Holnis, including around 65 breeding species. The landscape of Schlei Nature Park features gentle hills, forests, hedgerows, rapeseed and grain fields, sandy beaches and bathing coves; the Schlei’s brackish-water areas provide habitats for numerous endangered bird species.

Schleswig-Flensburg also offers cultural themes beyond the local history of the mill. Haithabu and the Danewerk have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since June 2018; more than 25 kilometres of the Danewerk rampart still remain today. The Idstedt historical memorial site and museum provide information about German-Danish history surrounding the uprising of 1848 and the Battle of Idstedt. These facts draw attention to two forms of historical heritage: UNESCO World Heritage and preserved sections of rampart, on the one hand, and the German-Danish events around 1848, on the other.

Discover more destinations: Großsolt, Freienwill, Tastrup, Maasbüll

Return to the regional travel overview: Hürup.