Krempermoor: Moorland and Peat History

Krempermoor is a destination for travelers who want to discover a moorland landscape and its historical use. The local moorland area east of the railway covers around 90 hectares. Peat-cutting pits and fishing ponds are part of the moorland, which is designated as a landscape conservation area. The natural environment, present-day leisure activities, and the history of peat extraction offer different perspectives on the place.

Moorland and protected habitats

The alder and birch swamp forests in Krempermoor’s moorland are legally protected biotopes. The landscape itself is designated as a landscape conservation area; the biotope designation applies specifically to the swamp forests. When considering the natural environment, it is therefore worth distinguishing between the protected status of the landscape and the special protection afforded to these woodland areas. Peat-cutting pits, fishing ponds, and swamp forests are distinct features of the moorland and among the defining themes of a stay in Krempermoor.

Peat history and craft

The history of peat extraction can be traced through specific tools. The hand tools used included a Jager, Stikker, Buntspaten, Kreite, and a shovel. There was also a local method called peat baking: peat soil was lifted from the peat pit using a skimming pole three to four meters long with a net attached. The different tool names and this distinctive method give the local history of peat a craft-based dimension.

At Krempermoor’s Moor Days, historical peat cutting and the processing of peat into finished peat sods are demonstrated. The demonstration thus covers both extraction and further processing. Dates may vary; check the latest event information before your trip if you would like to see the demonstration.

Krempermoor’s coat of arms also reflects its peat history: the peat basket and peat shovel represent the wet extraction of peat, which continued until the 1960s. The symbols thus refer to a specific historical activity and complement the work processes demonstrated at the Moor Days with a connection to local history.

Leisure by the moor and changing landscapes

Moor lakes and their banks are used for recreation and fishing. Walking in the moor is another leisure option; ice skating is possible seasonally on frozen ponds. Activities therefore include both paths through the moor and the use of its waters and banks. The condition of the ponds is crucial for ice skating, which takes place on frozen ponds.

On the Geestrand Tour section between Neuenbrook and Krempermoor, the transition from flat marshland to gently rolling geest is particularly evident. After Neuenbrook, the route follows the Moorwettern through Krempermoor. This change in landscape adds a distinct perspective on the transition between marshland and geest to the themes of moorland and peat.

Getting to Krempermoor

Krempermoor is connected to Itzehoe by bus. Kremperheide station is located directly on the northern municipal boundary. When planning your journey, it is helpful to distinguish between these two details: the bus connection goes to Itzehoe, while Kremperheide station is on the northern boundary. Check the relevant timetables for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Breitenburg, Wewelsfleth, Itzehoe, Rethwisch, Glückstadt, Sankt Margarethen, Lägerdorf, Wacken.

For the broader travel overview: Steinburg.