Best lakes around Ecklak are found within the water-rich Wilstermarsch region in Kreis Steinburg, Germany. While Ecklak itself features the Wilster Au river and the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, the surrounding area provides access to various water bodies. This region offers opportunities for water hiking, cycling along riverbanks, and observing maritime traffic. For traditional lake experiences, several options are available in the wider Kreis Steinburg area, particularly near Itzehoe.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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The Old Harbor of Burg looks back on a long history. It was once an important transshipment point for shipping in Dithmarschen and shaped life in the town for many decades. Today, the calm lake is reminiscent of the time of sailors and boatmen and makes the past of the place still palpable.
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The Herthateich pond is the ideal place to experience Burg's unusual topography (forest and hills in the heart of Dithmarschen). It combines nature (orchard), culture (open-air stage), and history (Bökelnburg Castle) in a very small area. The Herthateich is located in the center of the health resort of Burg. The area is characterized by a strong contrast to the otherwise rather flat marsh landscape of Dithmarschen. Because Burg lies on the geest (a ridge), the area around the pond is hilly and wooded, giving it an almost fairytale-like, sheltered atmosphere.
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Kudensee is a municipality in the Steinburg district in Schleswig-Holstein, and also the name of the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district. The Kudensee, with an area of 38.9 hectares, has been a nature reserve since 1935 and has been expanded to 172 hectares since 1992. The lake is the last shallow-water lake in the Elbe marshes and an important European bird sanctuary. It provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including the rare bittern, and serves as a resting place for many migratory birds. The Kudensee is characterized by its extensive reed beds, remnants of marsh forest and willow bushes. The bottom of the lake consists of both soft mud and hard sand. Due to its shallow depth of a maximum of 1.2 meters, the lake has an almost uniform temperature and oxygen distribution, except when the ice is closed, which can be unfavorable for the fish. The fish species living in the lake include bream, white bream, roach, perch, ruffe, eel, pike and zander.
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There are always ships to see on the NOK
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The Kudensee is the last surviving Dithmarscher See, which was once formed from sea bays. Today the Kudensee has a water area of around 40 hectares and is home to a large number of different marsh and water birds.
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Here you can swim very well, and watch the ships - a great place for a break.
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I still think the bathing area is beautiful, and I don't believe that the ships drain their sewage in the canal where everyone can see it immediately.
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The area around Ecklak, situated in the water-rich Wilstermarsch region, offers a diverse range of water bodies. You'll find the Wilster Au river, the impressive Nord-Ostsee-Kanal (Kiel Canal), and various lakes, including natural reserves, former quarry ponds, and recreational swimming spots, particularly in the wider Kreis Steinburg area near Itzehoe.
Yes, you can visit the Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake, a former clay mining pit now developed as a biotope with a five-kilometer circular route. Another unique spot is Kudensee Nature Reserve, the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district, protected as an FFH area and European bird sanctuary. For a touch of history, Herthateich features pre-Christian sacrificial stones.
For swimming, the Klein Westerland Swimming Area along the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal is a popular choice where you can also watch ships. In the wider Kreis Steinburg area, options include Große Tonkuhle in Itzehoe, known for its idyllic natural bathing spot, Deckmann's Ponds with a sandy beach, and Lohmühlenteich, which offers a large lawn and playground.
Many lakes in the region are suitable for families. The Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake has a circular route perfect for walks. The Klein Westerland Swimming Area is great for a day out with kids, offering swimming and ship watching. Lohmühlenteich near Itzehoe is also very family-friendly, featuring a large lawn, a playground, and a snack bar.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal or the Wilster Au. There are numerous cycling routes available, such as those found in the Cycling around Ecklak guide. Gravel biking and road cycling are also popular, with routes like those in the Gravel biking around Ecklak guide.
Yes, there are pleasant walking opportunities. The Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake features a five-kilometer circular route. The banks of the Wilster Au also provide scenic routes for walking and exploring the marshland landscape. For more challenging trails, consider routes listed in the cycling guides, which often include paths suitable for hiking.
While not a natural lake, the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal is a significant waterway connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It's one of the world's busiest artificial waterways, offering unique recreational opportunities. You can cycle along its paths, observe large cargo ships and cruise liners, and use the free ferries to cross it. The Klein Westerland Swimming Area is a great spot to experience the canal.
Yes, for those looking to stay close to nature, the Fährhaus Hodorf Campground offers a very nice, small, and uncomplicated camping experience with a swimming pond. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and amenities like a lounge with a kitchen.
The region, especially around natural reserves and rivers, is rich in wildlife. The Wilster Au is an important habitat for plants and animals, and the Kudensee Nature Reserve is an internationally protected European bird sanctuary, home to a large number of different marsh and water birds. The Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake also hosts a beautiful small cormorant population.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from observing maritime traffic on the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal to tranquil walks around natural reserves. The combination of water-based activities like swimming and water hiking, along with cycling routes through the distinctive marshland landscape, makes the area appealing. The community has shared over 100 upvotes and 14 photos, highlighting the beauty and recreational value of these spots.
The Wilster Au is ideal for water hiking and offers scenic natural experiences. It's also known as one of the best coarse fishing waters in Northern Germany, with abundant zander, perch, bream, and ide. Its banks are also popular for cycling.


Still not found your perfect lake around Ecklak? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.