Lakes around Brickeln, a municipality in the Dithmarschen district of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by various water bodies, including significant nature reserves and popular bathing spots. These areas provide habitats for numerous bird species and serve as important resting places for migratory birds. The landscape features bogs, swamps, and proximity to the North Sea coast, making it suitable for nature observation and water sports.
Last updated: October 13, 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 Brickeln offers a diverse range of water bodies, from significant nature reserves and shallow-water lakes to popular bathing spots and historical ponds. You'll find internationally protected bird sanctuaries, areas for water sports, and unique swimming experiences along the Kiel Canal.
For excellent birdwatching, visit the Kudensee Nature Reserve, the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district. It's an internationally protected FFH area and European bird sanctuary, vital for numerous bird species and migratory birds. Another significant bird habitat is the Kronenloch Nature Reserve, a saltwater biotope with observation hides.
Yes, the Klein Westerland Swimming Area is a popular choice. Located directly on the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, it offers fine sandy shores where families can swim and watch impressive ships pass by. Amenities like parking and a kiosk are available, making it ideal for a family outing. You can find more information on holstein-tourismus.de.
The Meldorf Lake, part of the Meldorfer Speicherkoog, is a hub for water sports. It's an excellent spot for activities like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, offering a more active lake experience alongside its natural surroundings.
Yes, you can visit Herthateich, a pond with potential pre-Christian sacrificial site significance, where two ancient stone tables remain. Additionally, the Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) is a historical site that was once an active port for peat trade and can now be circumnavigated.
The Dithmarschen region offers numerous cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring bicycles. For example, there are easy to moderate touring bicycle routes like the "Hohenhörn Canal Ferry – Hochdonn Railway Bridge loop from Burg (Dithmarschen)" or MTB trails such as the "Hohenhörn High Bridge – Grünental High Bridge loop from Hochdonn." Explore more options on the Cycling around Brickeln guide or the MTB Trails around Brickeln guide.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, spring and autumn are ideal due to migratory birds. For swimming and water sports, the warmer summer months are perfect. The region's natural beauty, including bogs and swamps, can be appreciated year-round, with cycling paths offering exploration in various seasons.
The Kudensee Nature Reserve is the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district and is internationally protected as an FFH area and European bird sanctuary. It's a vital shallow-water habitat for rare bird species like the bittern and a crucial resting place for migratory birds, offering a tranquil setting for nature observation.
While specific hiking trails directly around every lake aren't detailed, the Dithmarschen region is characterized by diverse natural features, including bogs and swamps, with cycling paths often allowing for exploration. The Kronenloch Nature Reserve, for instance, has cycling paths nearby that are suitable for walking, allowing visitors to explore its unique saltwater biotope.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The ability to swim while watching ships pass at Klein Westerland Swimming Area is a highlight, as is the tranquility and diverse birdlife at the Kudensee Nature Reserve. The idyllic setting of places like the Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) also receives positive feedback.
For a more tranquil experience focused on nature, consider visiting the Kronenloch Nature Reserve. As a designated wilderness area and significant bird habitat, it offers observation hides and cycling paths, providing a serene environment away from more bustling areas. The Kudensee Nature Reserve also offers a peaceful setting for birdwatching.


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