Discover Altenmoor

Landscape and settlement pattern

Altenmoor lies entirely within the Königsmoor Landscape Protection Area, which covers around 1,300 hectares. Its landscape includes extensive grassland, drainage ditches and wetlands, peat cuttings, and trees around farmsteads and along roads. Together, these features create a moorland landscape of open spaces, waterways and groups of trees. Both this landscape and the area’s distinctive settlement pattern are important to understanding the place.

Altenmoor consists of two settlement areas: Bullendorf is a linear village along the L118, while Altenmoor comprises individual farmsteads connected by narrow roads. Settlement of the Königsmoor is believed to have begun from the marsh side after the Thirty Years’ War, via Altenmoor and Bullendorf.

Historic farmstead architecture

A striking example of local architectural history is Altenmoor 10, a single-storey, thatched Fachhallenhaus (a traditional north German farmhouse) from the late 19th century. Inside is a half-timbered structure dating from the 18th century. The building also includes a former through-barn and a summer-house extension. This one house thus reveals several layers from different periods. The Fachhallenhaus is historically significant to the local landscape and cultural landscape.

Altenmoor 13, a residential and agricultural building, also contributes to the local landscape and cultural landscape. Some agricultural buildings have well-preserved brick façades and/or historic timber frames and are considered particularly worthy of preservation. The area’s architectural history therefore extends beyond a single building.

Cycling and nature

The 34-kilometre, signposted Kiebitztörn is a Glücksroute (a “Route of Luck”) that passes through Altenmoor. Near Altenmoor, the cycle route network connects north to the Sommertörn and southwest to the Obsttörn. The threatened lapwing gave the Kiebitztörn its name. Wildlife watching is another part of the nature experience: roe deer and hares can be seen in Altenmoor, and the call of the Eurasian curlew can be heard among the meadows and pastures.

Crafts in Altenmoor

Britta’s pottery studio is a small ceramics workshop in Altenmoor. Each ceramic object is made there by hand, with meticulous attention to detail. Visitors can get a first-hand look at the work in the studio. This craft experience offers a different focus from cycling and historic farmstead architecture.

Getting your bearings before your trip

The bus stops in Altenmoor are named Bullendorf 11, Bullendorf 25 and Feuerwehrhaus (fire station). Check the current timetable before travelling.

Altenmoor in the wider Steinburg destination

Altenmoor is part of the Holstein–Unterelbe and Auenland tourism region. The wider Steinburg destination offers signposted hiking, cycling and riding trails, as well as 250 kilometres of waterways on the Stör and its tributaries for canoeing. Several long-distance cycle routes pass through the Steinburg district. The Elbe Cycle Route is one of five.

Discover more destinations: Puls, Hodorf, Sarlhusen, Holstenniendorf, Wilster, Heiligenstedten, Nortorf, Hennstedt

Back to the wider travel overview: Steinburg.