In Sandstedt, you can choose between architectural history, time by the water and cycling: St. Johannis Church, Weser Beach and the “Marsch, Moor, Geest” stage appeal to different travel interests. There is also a harbour where you can stroll along the dyke, and a Weser ferry between Sandstedt and Brake/Golzwarden.

St. Johannis Church and the history of its tower

St. Johannis Church in Sandstedt is the oldest church in the Osterstade region. Construction of its church tower began in 1583 and was completed in 1613 with a spire nearly 60 metres high. Three decades separate the start of construction from its completion. These two dates and the spire’s height give the building a distinct place in the town’s history—a different focus from a stay by the water or a cycle ride through the countryside.

The seasonal visiting hours listed for St. Johannis Church are daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 1 April to 30 September. Before your visit, check whether access is possible on your chosen date.

Weser Beach and natural stretches of shoreline

Sandstedt’s Weser Beach is a natural bathing beach for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing. Sandstedt also has small natural stretches of beach right on the Lower Weser. Swimming is permitted only in designated areas, and there is no lifeguard supervision. This restriction is important if you are planning to spend time by the river: swimming is not permitted everywhere and takes place without supervision.

There are adventure playgrounds and places to eat near the natural stretches of beach. The local facilities also include a beach volleyball court. The “Vikings on the Weser” maritime adventure playground is located between the beach and the campsite. This makes it easy to distinguish between the different waterside and leisure options, without treating them as the same place or type of activity.

Harbour, dyke and cycling route

At Sandstedt Harbour on the Lower Weser, you can watch ships and take a walk along the dyke. The harbour offers a different way to spend time by the river than the natural bathing beach: here, the focus is on watching ships and walking along the dyke.

For a cycle ride near Sandstedt, Stage 1, “Marsch, Moor, Geest”, follows the long-distance cycle route “From the Teufelsmoor to the Wadden Sea”. The stage runs from the Weser near Sandstedt through the flat marshland to the Stader Geest. Along the way, it crosses restored moors, stream valleys and lakes. At Weser Beach, the focus is on swimming and relaxing; the stage takes you through the countryside along the route.

Getting there by Weser ferry

The “Kleinensiel” Weser ferry runs every 20 minutes between Brake/Golzwarden and Sandstedt. It carries cars, bicycles and mopeds. Check the current timetable before travelling, as the frequency may change.

Discover more destinations: Wurster North Sea Coast, Midlum, Osterbruch, Mittelstenahe, Nordholz, Flögeln, Steinau, Hechthausen

For the main travel overview: Cuxhaven.