Krempermoor combines a moorland landscape with a rich history of peat extraction. Peat cuttings, fishing ponds and protected wet woodlands define the natural landscape, while tools, a local peat-harvesting method and the Krempermoor Moor Days offer a glimpse into the historic craft. The Geestrand Tour also provides a unique perspective on the surrounding area. When planning your trip, the focus is on the landscape, peat history and the transition from marshland to geest.

Moorland and Water

A moorland area of about 90 hectares lies east of the railway line. Krempermoor Moorland is designated as a landscape protection area and also includes alder and birch wet woodlands protected by law. The moorland is also home to peat cuttings and fishing ponds. Here, traces of peat extraction, woodland and water meet in one local area of interest. The combination of ponds and peat cuttings makes the moorland tangible both as a natural environment and as a reminder of past use.

Peat History: Tools and Demonstrations

The historic extraction of peat involved the hand tools Jager, Stikker, Buntspaten, Kreite and a scoop. A local method was known as “peat baking”: peat soil was lifted from the peat pit using a three-to-four-metre-long scoop pole with a net attached. The list of tools and the method offer two different ways to explore the history: the named implements and the distinctive way the peat was brought up.

At the Krempermoor Moor Days, visitors can watch demonstrations of historic peat scooping and the processing of peat into finished peat sods. Dates may vary, so check them before your trip. The coat of arms also references peat extraction: a peat mould and peat shovel symbolise the historic wet peat extraction that continued until the 1960s.

Leisure in the Moorland

Moorland lakes and their shores are used for recreation and fishing; walks in the moorland are another leisure activity. Ice skating is a seasonal option on frozen ponds. Unlike the other activities mentioned, it depends on one clear condition: the ponds must be frozen. If ice skating is part of your plans, do not count on it being available year-round.

Geestrand Tour and Getting There

The Geestrand Tour runs via Neuenbrook along the Moorwettern to Krempermoor. The transition from the flat marshland to the gently rolling geest is particularly clear on the stretch between Neuenbrook and Krempermoor. This adds a different landscape perspective to the moorland theme: the focus here is on the change from marshland to geest.

Krempermoor is connected to Itzehoe by bus; Kremperheide railway station is right on the northern municipal boundary. Check the timetables for your travel date if you plan to arrive by bus or train.

The Steinburg Region

The wider Steinburg destination features a varied landscape stretching from the Elbe to Holsteiner Auenland. Krempermoor’s local focus is its moorland, ponds and history of peat extraction.

Discover more destinations: Wacken, Moorhusen, Bokelrehm, Wulfsmoor, Neuendorf-Sachsenbande, Brokdorf, Altenmoor, Hohenaspe.

View the wider travel guide: Steinburg.