Haaks Forest, marshland and several cycling and walking paths give Bohmstedt a distinctive character that can be explored through specific routes. The village also has historic ties to the North Frisian Association, and you can combine a bike ride with a canoe trip on the Arlau. If you choose Bohmstedt as your destination, you can make landscape, cultural history and activities on the water different focuses of your visit.
Haaks Forest and local history
Haaks Forest on the eastern edge of the village covers about 96 hectares and is a local recreation area. The Haaks Cooperative Forest was established in 1896. Both details link the name Haaks to a landscape and a specific year.
Bohmstedt is also connected to the history of the North Frisian Association. In 1926, the Bohmstedt Guidelines were announced at an annual meeting of the association in Bohmstedt and attracted attention beyond North Frisia. On September 18 and 19, 1976, Bohmstedt hosted Friesentag, the North Frisian Association’s local heritage festival. The dates mark different occasions: an announcement at an annual meeting and a later heritage festival.
Cycling, water and route options
The Söbenbargen Route is 43 kilometres long and starts at the village square, Bi de Kass, in Bohmstedt. The route brochure is dated 2021; check the signage locally. You can combine the bike ride with a canoe trip on the Arlau. The Arlau is navigable year-round on the stretch from the Bohmstedt marsh to the Arlau lock; water levels and safety conditions may vary seasonally. There are six launch sites between these points. Before setting off, check water levels, safety conditions, and the availability of launch sites and canoe rental.
Other walking and cycling routes vary in the landscapes they pass through. One follows the Ostenau and goes past the Badekuhle. Another crosses the geest ridge, follows the Ostenau lowlands to Poddam and returns via Lehmkuhle. A different route crosses the Maase marsh to Haaks Farm Forest and returns over the geest ridge. Another walking and cycling path passes Drelsdorf Forest and Haaks Farm Forest. The river, marsh, geest and forest thus offer different landmarks to help you choose a route.
After Ahrenshöft and Bohmstedt, the Söbenbargen Route passes through the Arlau floodplain meadows, where you can see how the marsh formed. One route goes through Söbenbargen past burial mounds. Near Ahrenshöft, some former gravel pits are now water-filled habitats for plants and animals.
Places to stop along the way
Places to stop for refreshments are also linked to specific routes. One route passes Gasthaus Waldheim before returning to Bohmstedt. Paulsens Landhotel and Restaurant, as well as the Waldheim inn in Haaks Forest, are also associated with Bohmstedt. Another route reaches the Deichshörn inn, known for homemade cake and North Frisian specialities. As hospitality offerings can change, check what is currently available in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Pellworm, KlixbĂĽll, Leck, Stadum, Vollerwiek, SĂĽdermarsch, Nebel, Goldelund.
Back to the main travel guide: North Frisia.
