A Romanesque fieldstone church in the town center, an outdoor swimming pool with several pool areas, and the Eider near Bargen show different sides of Erfde. When planning your stay, you can focus on local history, routes through the landscape or water activities. Bargen is a district of Erfde and serves as a separate point of reference for several of the activities available there.
Geest Landscape and Routes
Erfde lies on a Geest island formed by an ancient moraine. The surrounding area has numerous bogs and wetlands. In Bargen, an extensive network of walking and riding trails forms a circular route through the landscape. This makes it possible to treat visits to the town and a trip outdoors as separate elements of a stay. You can explore the circular route through the landscape on foot or on horseback.
Church and Stapelholm-Huus
In the center of Erfde stands St. Mary Magdalene Church, a Romanesque fieldstone church dating from the 12th century. Inside is a votive ship commemorating shipping on the Eider. The church therefore connects its architectural style with a subject that is also relevant to the town through the activities on the Eider in Bargen.
Another cultural stop is the Stapelholm-Huus in Bargen. It houses a museum and a weaving room. Groups are advised to book in advance. Unlike the church, the focus here is on the museum and weaving; both add another place to visit when exploring local history, without requiring you to view the different locations as a single attraction.
Outdoor Pool and Natural Swimming Spot
Erfde’s outdoor swimming pool has a 1,000-square-meter pool with areas for diving, playing and swimming. Facilities also include a toddler pool with a small slide and water toys, as well as a sandbox and a playhouse. The swimming areas and additional play features make the outdoor pool a different kind of water destination from the swimming spot in Bargen.
Bargen swimming spot is an unsupervised natural swimming area on the Eider. Visitors will find a lawn, play equipment for children and sanitary facilities there. The difference from the outdoor pool is important when choosing between them: here you swim at a natural, unsupervised spot, while the outdoor pool has a pool with designated areas. Swimming conditions and safety measures may change; check the latest information before your visit. Facilities at the swimming spot may also change.
Ferry, Harbor and Canoe Rest Area in Bargen
The Bargen Ferry connects Erfde-Bargen and Delve-Schwienhusen across the Eider. It carries pedestrians and cyclists and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. If you plan to take the ferry, check its current operating status before setting off.
Bargen sports boat harbor has 72 berths, a landing stage for passenger vessels and a wastewater pumping station. The Bargen canoe rest area also offers a canoe launch point and places to take a break. The harbor, ferry connection and canoe rest area offer different ways to enjoy the water: when planning, you can consider whether a crossing, harbor facilities or a break while canoeing is most important to you.
Getting Your Bearings Locally
The Stapelholm-Huus information point offers a selection of tourist brochures. It also has an adjoining coworking room for people who work while traveling. If you plan to use either of these facilities, check in advance whether it will be available during your visit: information services and facilities may change. These practical stops complement the places and activities that shape a stay in Erfde—from the church and museum to the routes, outdoor pool and Eider.
Discover more destinations: Wohlde, Tetenhusen, Klein Bennebek, Groß Rheide, Alt Bennebek, Dörpstedt, Klein Rheide, Börm.
Go to the main travel overview: Kropp-Stapelholm.
