Vacation impressions through Nordfriesland.
The weather forecast finally reported a bright weekend after three massive hurricanes and depressive winter months in the north. Yet I was reluctant to make any plans for a trip at the weekend, as it is still pretty cold and moist outside. However, Tanja was so determined to go on a trip even my stay-at-home mood could not resist anymore. Our common long-lasting wish was to re-visit Nordfriesland with our camera gear and the popular route through Westerhever Lighthouse.
Nordfriesland is a tide district with vast, beautiful beaches on the North Sea. Denmark bounds the county in the north as the North Sea in the west. The land forms a "koog" field reclaimed from the sea by the construction of dykes. The marshland is abundant in food and constitutes a warm shelter for the bird population. Nordfriesland, with its epic landscapes, is an appealing destination for photographers, too. So, after thinking twice, I thought it would turn out to be an excellent Photowalk weekend, so I eventually opted in.
After a few hours' sleep, we drove off in the morning while following the northbound direction on A23. It is about a one-hour drive from Hamburg. The first stop, the Eider-Sperwerk, a massive barrage with colossal metal gates, separates the North Sea from the river Eider. The Sperwerk is built to protect from the storm surges from the North Sea. The river basin is also a national park, Katinger Watt, which offers a vast landscape for birdwatchers. You unquestionably come across bird enthusiasts, and they have a hike around with binoculars. Don't forget your hiking shoes if you head to Katinger Watt!
After hiking in the national park, we headed to Lehe where we booked the accommodation to timely check-in for our room before driving north to Westerhever Lighthouse. Our room was at “Liebevoll hinter dem Deich,” an adorable family business between the cornfields. You will find a warm welcome and a delicious breakfast, and I think you will love it there. Here, you can gain a first impression in their Youtube video:
We picked up the keys and drove off to Westerhever to catch a glimpse of the sunset. The weather was superb for photography as the warm colors reign in the sky. But, we had to hurry since the lighthouse was still 30 minutes ahead, and between the parking and the lighthouse is about 2 kilometers, which we had to go on foot. So, if you take kids with you, I recommend packing your buggy. Otherwise, it can turn out an exhausting walk till you get there.
The picture above I took with my Sony camera midway to the lighthouse, and while taking the first glimpse on the hill, below:
the lighthouse backed by the sun:
The next day, we left the hotel for our last stop, St. Peter Ording, a seaside municipal about 10 km south of Westerhever. 12 km long beach and the North Sea is an absolute tourist attraction. Following, you can find a few photographs while walking on the beach.
