In Gelting, nature experiences meet a rich cultural history. Geltinger Birk, several circular trails and St. Catherine’s Church give the town its varied character. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between longer and shorter hikes, historical sights and places that are explicitly private.
Nature and trails around Gelting
Northeast of Gelting lies the 773-hectare Geltinger Birk nature reserve. Dunes, marshland, heath, moorland and open woodland shape the area. You can explore it on foot along the trails; with a little luck, you may spot Highland cattle and Konik wild horses grazing on the natural pastures. Its varied habitats and the chance to see animals in the landscape make the Birk a special destination for nature lovers.
For a longer hike, try the approximately 12-kilometre circular trail through Geltinger Birk. Access points are at Geltinger Noor and near Charlotte Mill, or at Falshöft Lighthouse. If you are looking for a shorter walk, you can choose among the municipal routes according to their stated lengths: Route Krebs is about 6 kilometres long and runs from Gelting via Lehbek, Gut Ohrfeld and Wackerballig back to Gelting. Route Biene is about 8 kilometres long; it runs via Sillekjer, Rabenholz and Holmkjer Forest back to Gelting. Route Schwan is also about 6 kilometres long and runs from Wackerballig via Düstnishy and Nordschauwald back to Wackerballig. Check the latest route details before setting out, as they may change.
The distances provide a clear basis for choosing between the three municipal routes: Krebs and Schwan, each approximately 6 kilometres long, are the shorter options, while Biene is longer at about 8 kilometres. At approximately 12 kilometres, the circular hike through Geltinger Birk is the longest route mentioned here. Its stated access points also differ from the starting points of the three municipal routes. This lets you choose a hike that suits your planned distance without combining different trails into a single route.
Church, estate and mill
St. Catherine’s Church is one of Gelting’s historical sights. It is believed to have been built shortly after 1300; a major renovation in 1793 enlarged the choir. The organ was fully restored in 2007. The church also contains a former high altar scene dating from 1520 to 1530. It was carved by a master from the circle of Lübeck sculptor Claus Berg. The church thus brings together several periods: its presumed origins, the renovation, the organ’s restoration and the older woodcarving.
Gut Gelting, also known as Gelting Castle, is an estate approximately 800 years old and one of the oldest estates in Angeln. The manor house is privately owned and not open to visitors; check again before travelling to see whether a visit is possible. Charlotte Mill stands at the entrance to Geltinger Birk, on Geltinger Noor. It was built in 1826 to drain the Noor and grind grain. Today it is privately owned and has been converted into a holiday home. Check its private-use status before planning a visit.
Accommodation and local culture
Wackerballig Campsite is right on the beach at Gelting Bay and offers 30 tourist pitches for caravans and tents. The number of pitches and the facilities may change; check the latest information before making specific plans. Charlotte Mill has also been converted into a holiday home and is privately owned.
Cultural traditions are also part of the town’s character. The Gelting Shanty Choir preserves original shanties associated with 19th-century seafaring. Hot Angler Muck is a typical winter drink in Gelting. Nature, church art, regional history and these cultural traditions offer a range of ways to enjoy a stay in Gelting.
Discover more destinations: Harrislee, Kappeln, Kropp-Stapelholm, Langballig, Haddeby, Maasholm, Kappeln-Land, Arensharde
Return to the main travel overview: Schleswig-Flensburg.
