Discover Beidenfleth: the Stör, marshland and history

Beidenfleth combines the Stör with a marsh landscape shaped by drainage ditches and the history of St. Nicolai. For travelers looking for a hotel in Beidenfleth, these themes offer different points of interest: a river crossing by ferry, cycling along the Stör dyke, a camera museum and historic buildings. Consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on cycling and water or on cultural history. This will make it clearer which aspects of the town matter for your trip.

The Stör, ferry and marshland

Drainage ditches and canals are still visible in Beidenfleth; many are laid out at right angles. They date back to drainage work begun by Dutch settlers in the 12th century. The right-angled pattern is therefore a visible feature of the landscape. The Stör also shapes the town: a ferry has crossed the river at Beidenfleth since 1620, linking Wilstermarsch and Krempermarsch. Cyclists also use the crossing. If you plan to take the ferry, check the current timetable in advance so you can fit the crossing into your day.

Cycling and waterways

Cyclists can experience Beidenfleth on different scales. On the fifth stage of the Monk’s Way, the Else cable ferry connects Beidenfleth and Bahrenfleth across the Stör; the crossing is a short trip directly over the river. Störtörn 1, by contrast, is a 46-kilometre cycling tour that follows the Stör dyke to Beidenfleth. The tour combines the Stör landscape, dyke paths and open marshland. This offers a choice between a short river crossing and a longer cycling tour featuring various landscape elements.

A canoe launch point near the ferry provides access to the Stör. The Störterrassen, a rest area on An der Fähre road, are right by the river and offer a view of the water and the Else Stör ferry. This adds specific waterside stops to your route planning. As routes and ferry services can change, it is worth checking the current route and timetable before planning; you can also check the latest information in advance about using the visitor facilities.

Camera museum and history of technology

The Beidenfleth Camera Museum is housed in the old school and presents the history and development of cameras in chronological order. Its collection covers around 26,500 different camera models from manufacturers worldwide. This should be distinguished from the 8,700 cameras in the overall collection, of which 5,800 individual items are on display. Exhibits include camera series by German manufacturers, rare individual items, accessories, historic glass negatives, advertising materials and spring-motor movie cameras. The selection therefore ranges from individual devices to various types of photographic accessories. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current visitor information in advance.

St. Nicolai: architectural history and works of art

St. Nicolai in Beidenfleth offers several specific points of interest for local history. The foundations date from the 12th century or, at the latest, the 13th century; the church was first documented in 1325. According to local tradition, the free-standing bell tower was first built in 1557, restored several times and completely rebuilt in 1860. These details distinguish between the early construction of the foundations, the first documented mention and the later rebuilding of the tower.

Individual works of art are also dated: the bronze baptismal font dates from 1340 and is the church’s oldest work of art. The Baroque altar was created in 1636/37 by Hamburg sculptor Hein Baxmann. Together with the building’s history, these offer several points of reference in time, from the oldest foundations to the 17th-century altar. When deciding on your trip, you can consider Beidenfleth through different interests: the river and marshland, cycling and waterways, or the history of the museum and church.

For the broader travel overview: Wilster.