Hodorf: Cycling Routes, Stör Landscape and Ferry History

You can explore Hodorf for trip planning through three themes: the Stör landscape, cycling routes through the marshes and the history of the ferries.

Cycling between the Stör and the marshes

Hodorf is connected to the Brückentour, which runs parallel to the Stör. Another route, Störtörn 1, passes through Hodorf along quiet marsh roads heading north. It connects the Stör landscape with dyke paths and open marshland. Wewelsfleth, Wilster or Heiligenstedten are possible starting points for Störtörn 1. This gives you a choice of different starting points when planning your tour, without treating the two routes as one and the same.

For orientation, Störtörn 1 is marked with a blue river on a green background; arrows indicate the river’s course. At the Stör barrage there is a free excursion and dyke car park, intended primarily for visitors, cyclists and walkers. Check current route conditions before setting out on a cycling tour.

Stör landscape and ferry history

Hodorf lies in the Stör landscape of the Kremper Marsh. Areas within the great loop of the Stör are increasingly being used for landscape and nature conservation, providing rare plants and animals with space to thrive. The landscape is thus a focus in its own right, alongside the cycling routes and local history.

The history of the ferries includes two distinct dates: the Holler ferry near Deicherde operated until around 1955. A second ferry in Hodorf was operated by Nikolaus von Holdt until 1935. The ferrymen earned their living from ferry fares, fishing and small-scale farming. Another historical connection in the nearby area is the swing bridge in Heiligenstedten: it was intended to make it easier for Hodorf residents to attend services at St. Marien Church. Accordingly, the Holler ferry near Deicherde remained in operation for about two decades longer than the ferry operated by Nikolaus von Holdt.

Accommodation and planning your visit

Fährhaus Hodorf offers tent camping, rental caravans, guest rooms and pitches for caravans and motorhomes. Activities include swimming in the bathing pond, fishing by the Stör dyke and spending evenings around the campfire. The availability of these activities may also change, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Beidenfleth Großkampen (Nord) is listed as the public transport stop for Fährhaus Hodorf. Check the current connection before travelling.

Steinburg as a regional setting

At the Steinburg destination level, the Elbe Cycle Route is one of five long-distance cycling routes that pass through the district. The Wilstermarsch, one of Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest landscapes, is also home to the lowest point in the Federal Republic of Germany, at 3.54 metres below sea level. These regional connections complement Hodorf’s local features, shaped by the Stör landscape, marsh roads and ferry history.

Discover more destinations: Horst, Stördorf, Bokelrehm, Krempe, Wilster, Heiligenstedten, Lägerdorf, Rethwisch

For the regional travel overview: Steinburg.