Best natural monuments around Büttel are characterized by a unique landscape shaped by rivers, canals, and marshlands. The region features the Stör River, the Wilstermarsch, and the Elbe River Foreland, offering a distinctive northern German environment. This area is notable for its ecological significance, including some of Germany's deepest land depressions and protected Flora-Fauna-Habitat zones. It provides opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna within a unique wetland and riverine environment.
Last updated: August 4, 2026
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This remarkable boulder presumably reached the Dithmarscher Geest during the penultimate ice age 200,000 years ago. In the course of the preparations for the Kiel Canal from 1907 to 1914, the stone, with a length of 3.50 meters, a diameter of 2.00 meters, and a weight of 25 tons, came to light.
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As children, we used to jump and slide down a narrow sandy path directly from the Bismarck Stone to the Käthnersvierth.
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As a result of the strong melting of glaciers at the end of the last ice age (Weichsel), the sea level rose sharply and the western edge of Schleswig-Holstein's geest formed the coastline. In some places, such as the Barlter Kleve (Kleve = cliff, steep coast) near Gudendorf with a drop of 20 m, at the Kleve of Sankt Michaelisdonn (30 m drop) and between Kuden and Burg, the original cliffs formed by the surf are still visible.
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The "Kleve" nature reserve, located southeast of St. Michaelisdonn in the Hopen district of Dithmarschen, has existed as such since November 8, 1962. Parts of the "Hoper or Donner Kleve" were bought by a nature conservation association as early as 1914, and then placed under the protection ordinance under the Reich Nature Conservation Act in 1938. At 11.9 hectares, it is certainly one of the smallest nature reserves in Schleswig-Holstein, but due to its animal and plant populations, it is a real treasure trove.
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The outer dike of St. Margarethen is located near the Elbe and is now an important bird sanctuary. Originally, this area was part of a dike system that protected the hinterland from flooding. Over time, the harbor creek became increasingly silted up and port operations were discontinued. Today, the outer dike provides an important habitat for numerous bird species and is a popular destination for nature observation and cycling tours. The outer dike and the surrounding area are ideal for hikes and bike rides along the Elbe, with wonderful views of the passing ships. Historically, the area was also the site of a pilot station, but this was not rebuilt after a fire in 1902.
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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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Very clean place with shelter and guest book
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Who can claim that they were once below sea level? Great highlight!
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The natural landscape around Büttel is unique due to its distinctive features shaped by rivers, canals, and marshlands. It includes the Stör River, the vast Wilstermarsch (one of Germany's deepest land depressions), and the ecologically significant Elbe River Foreland. This combination creates a rich wetland and riverine environment, offering diverse flora and fauna.
You can visit the Lowest Point in Germany, which is located 3.54 meters below sea level. This site features a mast displaying storm surge levels, illustrating the powerful forces associated with the Elbe River. It's a visually impressive place that highlights the unique geography of the region.
The Wilstermarsch is a distinctive natural area near Büttel, known for being one of Germany's deepest land depressions, with parts more than 3 meters below sea level. It features lush meadows, dikes, and a dense network of waterways. You can explore it via bike tours, boat trips, or carriage rides. For cycling, consider routes like the Ostermoor Ferry – Old Harbour Brunsbüttel loop from Büttel.
Yes, several natural monuments around Büttel are suitable for families. The Lowest Point in Germany and the Lowest Point in Schleswig-Holstein are both marked as family-friendly. Additionally, the St. Margarethen Outer Dike Nature Reserve offers pleasant biking and hiking trails along the Elbe, which are great for families.
The Elbe River Foreland (locally known as "Außendeich" or "Butendiek") bordering Büttel is designated as a Flora-Fauna-Habitat (FFH) area by the European Union. This protected zone is crucial for safeguarding local wild species and serves as an important retention area during high water levels in the Elbe estuary. It offers opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna in a unique riparian environment, such as at the St. Margarethen Outer Dike Nature Reserve.
Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. The Elbe dike areas, particularly around the St. Margarethen Outer Dike Nature Reserve, offer scenic trails. You can find more options for walking and running in the area by exploring Running Trails around Büttel, which includes routes like the "Elbe Cycle Path at Brokdorf – Elbe Riverside Beach loop from Sankt Margarethen."
The Bismarck Rock at Hoper Klev is a significant man-made and natural monument. This 25-ton boulder was discovered during the expansion of the Kiel Canal over a century ago. It was placed on Klev in honor of Bismarck and serves as a notable resting place, offering a glimpse into the region's history and geology.
Absolutely. The region, especially the Wilstermarsch and along the Elbe, is excellent for cycling. You can find numerous routes, including easy ones like the Ship Traffic on the Kiel Canal – High bridge Brunsbüttel loop from Kudensee. The flat landscape and network of dikes provide enjoyable cycling experiences.
The Kleve Nature Reserve, located southeast of St. Michaelisdonn, is a small but ecologically rich area. It has been protected since 1962 and is known for its diverse animal and plant populations. The 'Kleve' refers to ancient cliffs formed by glacial meltwater and sea level changes at the end of the last ice age, making it a geological treasure.
The spring and summer months are ideal for visiting the natural monuments around Büttel. During this time, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling along the Stör River and through the Wilstermarsch, and the flora and fauna are most vibrant in the nature reserves.
Yes, the Lowest Point in Germany is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive destination for visitors.
The nature reserves around Büttel, such as the Elbe River Foreland and the St. Margarethen Outer Dike Nature Reserve, are important habitats for diverse wildlife. You can expect to observe various bird species, especially in the protected marshlands and along the Elbe. Efforts are also underway to reintroduce the rare European sturgeon in the Stör River, highlighting the region's ecological importance.


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