Best attractions and places to see in Auenlandschaft Norderelbe include a rich landscape of natural beauty and notable landmarks within Hamburg, Germany. This area is primarily a nature reserve, characterized by tidal ecosystems and industrial heritage. Visitors can explore interconnected nature reserves, significant headlands, and one of Europe's last tidal floodplain forests. The region offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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The "Auenlandschaft Norderelbe" is the name for a nature reserve in the south of Hamburg, which was established in 2010 and expanded and renamed in 2016 as the nature reserve "Auenlandschaft Obere Tideelbe".
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The hiking trail "Hamburg's 2nd Green Ring" also leads along here. All information about the Green Ring can be found under the following link: www.hamburg.de/wandern-im-gruenen/4473724/wandern-im-gruenen-hintergrund (as of November 23, 2024).
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The hiking trail "Hamburg's 2nd Green Ring" also leads along here. All information about the Green Ring can be found under the following link: www.hamburg.de/wandern-im-gruenen/4473724/wandern-im-gruenen-hintergrund (as of November 23, 2024).
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This is where you meet them, the fast hobby racing cyclists who enjoy the end of the day on the bike.
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Great view of the bridge, a beautiful sight in the dark.
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a nice and wide route for cycling. Connection to Hamburg in the city
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The cycle path is well developed, it is interesting to drive under the Norderelbbrücke
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The Obere Tideelbe floodplain is a nature reserve in the Hamburg districts of Wilhelmsburg in the Hamburg-Mitte district and Billwerder, Spadenland, Ochsenwerder, Kirchwerder, Moorfleet and Tatenberg in the Bergedorf district. The nature reserve is around 246 hectares in size. It is part of the FFH area "Hamburger Unterelbe". The area, which is looked after by the GÖP nature conservation association and the Hamburg e.V. fishing association, has been under protection since 2010 - initially as a 222-hectare "Auenlandschaft Norderelbe" nature reserve (date of the ordinance: February 16, 2010) and was extended in 2016 to its expanded to today's size and renamed. The nature reserve is located in the area where the Elbe splits and extends along the Norderelbe from the Bundesautobahn 1 in the north to the Bunthäuser Spitze in the south, the Dove Elbe to the Tatenberger Schleuse and on the north bank of the Süderelbe to the "Heuckenlock" nature reserve and includes part of the Elbe with the foreland of the dyke as well as the outer dyke areas of Spadenländer Spitze and Kreetsand, which were created in 2001 by back dikes. In Moorwerder, the nature reserve is limited to the undeveloped outer dike areas. Furthermore, the filter basin and the bird protection grove and the part of the Holzhafengraben lying south of the A 1 on the southern Billwerder island are included in the nature reserve. At the mouth of the Georgswerder Schleusengraben, which is connected to the North Elbe via a pumping station, is the Rhee nature reserve. With the expansion of the nature reserve in 2016, additional outer dyke areas in the districts of Ochsenwerder and Kirchwerder were included in the scope of the nature conservation ordinance. The nature reserve is shaped by the Elbe, which is influenced by the tide – the tidal range here is up to 3.5 meters – with its forelands. The course of the river is accompanied by the remains of alluvial forest. The outer dyke areas are occupied by extensive fallow grassland with tall forbs and reed beds. There is a mudflat area on the Spadenländer peak. On the 42 hectare Kreetsand, the construction of around 30 hectares of tide-influenced shallow water areas is planned, in which further tidal flats are to form. A further relocation of the dyke at Ellerholz, like the Kreetsand a former scouring field, is fundamentally possible. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Auenlandschaft Norderelbe is rich in natural beauty, primarily characterized by its tidal ecosystems. You can explore interconnected nature reserves such as the Auenlandschaft Obere Tideelbe, Rhee, and Holzhafen, which are home to rare animal and plant species adapted to the constant change between high and low tide. The Norderelbe Floodplain itself offers scenic views of this unique landscape. Don't miss the Bunthäuser Spitze, a significant headland with extensive reed zones and the Bunthaus beacon.
Yes, Auenlandschaft Norderelbe features notable landmarks with historical significance. The Norderelbe Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Norderelbe and is listed as one of Hamburg's cultural monuments. Another impressive site is the Wasserkunst Elbinsel Kaltehofe, an industrial monument that also functions as a nature park and water art museum, located in the Hamburg district of Veddel.
The floodplains of Auenlandschaft Norderelbe are a haven for diverse wildlife. You might spot a cormorant colony, and various bird species like orioles, white-tailed eagles, and Eurasian penduline tits. The Holzhafen is a crucial resting place for numerous migratory birds. The area is also a vital breeding and feeding ground for about 40 fish species. Keep an eye out for unique plants such as the globally rare water dropwort (Schierlings-Wasserfenchel).
The area is well-suited for various outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are very popular, with well-signposted trails allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes. For cycling, the Kaltehofe Hauptdeich Cycle Path and the Elberadweg Oberhafen Connection are highly recommended. Birdwatching is also a favored activity due to the rich biodiversity.
Yes, Auenlandschaft Norderelbe offers several family-friendly options. Many trails, such as the Norderelbe Floodplain and the Elberadweg Oberhafen Connection, are suitable for families. The Elbe Tidal Floodplain Center at Bunthäuser Spitze provides educational insights into the unique tidal habitats, which can be engaging for children. The Wasserkunst Elbinsel Kaltehofe also combines nature exploration with a museum experience.
Auenlandschaft Norderelbe is excellent for cycling. The Kaltehofe Hauptdeich Cycle Path is a sharp, well-paved route without cars, passing under the A1 and along the Elbe dike towards the city center. Another popular choice is the Elberadweg Oberhafen Connection, which offers a tour through the museum island Kaltehofe and along the Elbe, known for its good surface quality. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling in Auenlandschaft Norderelbe guide.
The region offers numerous opportunities for hiking. The Norderelbe Floodplain is particularly worthwhile for hiking. You can explore the diverse landscapes of the nature reserves, including the extensive reed zones at Bunthäuser Spitze. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking in Auenlandschaft Norderelbe guide, which includes trails like the Bunthäuser Spitze Lighthouse – Heuckenlock Nature Reserve loop.
The Auenlandschaft Norderelbe can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching due to migratory birds. Summer is perfect for cycling and exploring the natural landscapes. Even in winter, the area offers unique views, especially for those interested in winter hiking, though some paths might be affected by weather conditions.
Yes, the Elbe Tidal Floodplain Center, located at Bunthäuser Spitze, provides valuable information and educational insights into the unique tidal habitats of the area. Additionally, the Wasserkunst Elbinsel Kaltehofe functions as a water art museum, offering a blend of industrial history and natural science.
Visitors frequently praise the area for its natural beauty and tranquility, especially considering its proximity to Hamburg. Many appreciate the well-maintained cycle paths, like the Kaltehofe Hauptdeich Cycle Path, which offer car-free routes along the Elbe. The opportunity to discover surprising natural corners and the unique tidal landscape, as well as the historical landmarks like the Norderelbe Bridge, are also highly valued.
While the immediate area is more known for cycling and hiking, there are mountain biking opportunities nearby. You can explore various MTB trails in the broader region, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For specific routes and details, refer to the MTB Trails in Auenlandschaft Norderelbe guide.
Yes, Auenlandschaft Norderelbe is generally accessible by public transport from Hamburg. Specific routes and stops will depend on your exact destination within the extensive nature reserve. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for the most convenient connections to areas like Veddel or Wilhelmsburg, which border the reserve.


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