Kollmar: Elbe, Marshland and Beach
Accommodation in Kollmar
Kollmar lies on the Elbe in the Kollmarer Marsch Landscape Protection Area. Agriculture, historic farmsteads, harbours and beaches shape the character of the place. The foreshore and shoreline in the protected area provide breeding, resting and feeding grounds for numerous waterbird species. The marshland, the Elbe riverbank and the local harbours provide the setting for a stay focused on landscapes, walks and selected cultural sites.
Elbe, Beach and Walks
The sandy beach at Kollmar harbour offers space to relax, sunbathe and cool off in the water in summer. Swimming conditions depend on the season and local conditions. Between the sandy beach and the dike, there is a playground at the harbour. It features a pirate ship with an observation tower.
A walk of about five kilometres leads from Kollmar harbour to the mouth of the KrĂĽckau and back. It follows the Elbe foreshore and passes reed beds, tidal creeks, pools and mudflats. Keep an eye on the incoming tide, which requires particular attention on this route. The car park on Neuer Weg is considered the best parking option for walks in Kollmar. As parking regulations may change, check the current situation before setting out.
Circular Routes through Marshland and Fruit-Growing Country
One circular route starts at Kollmar harbour and follows the Elbe towards Bielenberg. It then crosses the marshland on low-traffic farm roads, passing drainage ditches, meadows and historic dike lines. The route thus links the Elbe and the marshland. The 22-kilometre Obsttörn is also a circular route and leads through the fruit-growing region between Kollmar and Neuendorf. Conditions on this route may vary with the seasons. The two routes differ mainly in the landscapes they pass through: the harbour loop follows the Elbe and the marshland, while the Obsttörn takes in the fruit-growing region.
In the wider Steinburg travel region, the Elbe Cycle Route is one of five long-distance cycle routes that cross the district. If you plan to ride this regional route, check the route conditions before setting out.
Church, Coastal Protection and Finds from the Elbe
The Kollmar Church was built in 1448. The Dörpstuuv complements this historical perspective with the exhibition “Storm Surges and Coastal Protection”. It features panels and pictures on the development of the Kollmarer Marsch, dike construction, coastal protection and major storm surges. From May to September, you can visit the exhibition on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 2 to 5 p.m. Visits can also be arranged by appointment. Check the opening arrangements before your visit.
The exhibition also includes finds from the Elbe dating from different periods: Stone Age artefacts, medieval jewellery, early modern cannonballs and later items from ships’ galleys. The church and the Dörpstuuv thus focus on different aspects of history: a specific year of construction on the one hand, and the development of the marshland and responses to storm surges on the other.
Harbours and Other Local Highlights
Bielenberg harbour offers moorings for sailors and motorboat users. If you need a mooring, check local availability before travelling. The rose garden on the Elbe is maintained without chemical sprays or plant protection products.
Discover more destinations: GlĂĽckstadt, Heiligenstedten, Kaaks, Breitenburg, Nortorf, Moorhusen, Wilster, Wewelsfleth.
Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Steinburg.
