Waterways and Landscape

A watershed runs through the municipality of Geltorf. The Geltorfer Au flows into the Selker Mühlenau and then through Selker Noor and Haddebyer Noor to the Schlei and onward to the Baltic Sea. South of the watershed, streams flow via the Boklunder Au, Mühlenbach and Neue Sorge into the Eider and from there to the North Sea. The watershed therefore separates two drainage directions, leading to the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, respectively.

Geltorf is located in the natural region of the Hüttener and Duvenstedt Hills, on the edge of the Schleswig Vorgeest and between the southern terminal moraines of the Schlei basin and the western terminal moraines of the Hüttener Hills. The natural setting and waterways describe the area at two scales: through larger landscape features and through the courses of its waterways. The stream in western Geltorf is a habitat for the rare kingfisher; this ecological role adds another dimension to the natural setting.

Getting Here and Hiking

One road route to Geltorf is via the Schleswig/Jagel exit on the A7, then along the B77 towards Schleswig and onward via Selk in the direction of Fleckeby/Eckernförde. County Road 1 connects Geltorf with Selk. Please check current traffic conditions when planning your journey.

The E1 long-distance hiking trail passes from Selk via Altmühl along the outskirts of Geltorf. On the Schleswig–Brekendorf section of the E1, a wooden bridge crosses the narrow connection between Haddebyer Noor and Selker Noor. The section details are important for planning: the route passes the outskirts of the village after leaving Selk, and the bridge is on the Schleswig–Brekendorf section. As trail conditions can change, check the current route and conditions before setting out.

Traces of History

Two gold bracteates found in Geltorf were grave goods in urn graves at cemeteries dating from the first centuries of the Common Era. Gold ornaments found in 1876 point to early settlement in the Geltorf landscape. The dates refer to different things: the first centuries date the cemeteries, while 1876 is the year the gold ornaments were found.

Another historical point of interest is the residential and farm building at Dorfstraße 19. The heritage register dated 29 September 2025 lists it as a protected building; the building is dated to around 1860.

Schleswig-Flensburg in a Wider Context

The wider travel destination of Schleswig-Flensburg offers additional cultural and natural themes that complement the local perspective. Haithabu and the Danevirke have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2018; more than 25 kilometres of the Danevirke rampart remain today. The Idstedt historical memorial site and museum provide information about German-Danish history surrounding the uprising of 1848 and the Battle of Idstedt.

At 773 hectares, Geltinger Birk is the largest nature reserve in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg. It has well-maintained paths and guided walks that share information about flora and fauna. In Schlei Nature Park, gentle hills, forests, hedgerows, rapeseed and grain fields, sandy beaches and bathing coves shape the landscape; the Schlei’s brackish waters provide a habitat for numerous endangered bird species. Nature tours are also offered in Schlei Nature Park, and 15 signposted themed cycling routes lead through the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Dannewerk, Borgwedel, Jagel, Selk, Busdorf, Fahrdorf

Go to the wider travel overview: Haddeby.