Lakes around Büttel, a municipality in the Steinburg district of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, offers access to various natural water bodies. The region is characterized by its flat landscapes and proximity to the Elbe river, providing a mix of oxbow lakes and former quarries. These areas serve as natural attractions for those seeking outdoor activities by the water. The local environment supports diverse flora and fauna, making it suitable for nature observation.
Last updated: June 26, 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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Beautiful little lake right on the NOK
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The region around Büttel offers a mix of natural landscapes. You'll find oxbow lakes like the Oste Altarm, known for their calm waters and rich natural surroundings, ideal for observing local flora and fauna. Other areas, such as the Kudensee Nature Reserve, are protected areas important for marsh and water birds, featuring interesting moorland. Former chalk quarries, like Kreide-See Hemmoor, provide unique clear water environments.
Yes, several lakes are great for swimming. The Oste Altarm is an excellent choice for a refreshing swim on warm days. Kreide-See Hemmoor is particularly known for its exceptional water clarity, making it a popular destination for swimming and diving. Additionally, the Krummendeich natural outdoor pool offers a designated area for swimming and recreation with facilities.
You can discover interesting historical sites near some of the lakes. For instance, Herthateich features pre-Christian places of sacrifice with ancient smoothed boulders. The Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) is a historical site that was once an active harbor for peat trade, now an idyllic pond that can be circumnavigated.
Many lakes around Büttel are family-friendly. The Krummendeich natural outdoor pool has facilities and space for recreation, including table tennis and volleyball. Lakes like the Oste Altarm are suitable for leisurely strolls and bike rides, offering a peaceful escape for families. Observing local wildlife at nature reserves like the Kudensee and Surrounding Nature Reserve can also be an engaging activity for all ages.
The area around Büttel's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Ostermoor Ferry – Old Harbour Brunsbüttel loop' or 'Ship Traffic on the Kiel Canal – High bridge Brunsbüttel loop'. For hikers, there are trails such as 'Kudensee Pumping Station – Kiel Canal loop' and 'Shipspotting at the Kiel Canal – Hohenhörn High Bridge loop'. Running enthusiasts can explore routes like 'Elbe Cycle Path at Brokdorf – Elbe Riverside Beach loop'. Find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for cycling, running, and hiking around Büttel.
Yes, there are several hiking trails near the lakes. For example, you can hike the 'Kudensee Pumping Station – Kiel Canal loop' which is a moderate 14 km trail, or the easier 'Shipspotting at the Kiel Canal – Hohenhörn High Bridge loop' at 6.3 km. These trails offer opportunities to explore the natural surroundings of the lakes. More hiking options can be found in the Hiking around Büttel guide.
The Kudensee and Surrounding Nature Reserve features a lookout tower that provides excellent views of the Kudensee and its natural surroundings. This is a great spot for nature observation and enjoying panoramic vistas of the protected area.
Kreide-See Hemmoor, a former chalk quarry, is unique for its exceptional water clarity. This makes it a highly popular destination for swimming and especially renowned among divers. The underwater landscape, featuring remnants of the mining operation, offers unique exploration opportunities not found in typical natural lakes.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. The Oste Altarm, for instance, is ideal for leisurely bike rides along its banks. You can find various cycling routes in the region, including the 'Ostermoor Ferry – Old Harbour Brunsbüttel loop' or the 'Ship Traffic on the Kiel Canal – High bridge Brunsbüttel loop'. For more detailed routes, check the Cycling around Büttel guide.
The best time to visit the lakes around Büttel largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer summer months are ideal. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and nature observation, with beautiful seasonal colors. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during migration seasons in spring and autumn at nature reserves like the Kudensee.
Yes, if you're looking for tranquility, the Oste Altarm, as an oxbow lake, offers calmer waters and a peaceful natural setting for relaxation. Kreide-See Hemmoor is also suitable for those seeking a tranquil spot to relax by the water, especially away from the main diving areas. The Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) provides an idyllic and quiet atmosphere.


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