Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog brings the recent history of land reclamation to life. The dike was closed on 21 October 1954, making it possible to settle and cultivate the new Koog. The last Koog built for land reclamation in Schleswig-Holstein, the area marks a clearly dated change in the coastal landscape. The newly reclaimed Koog provided 1,350 hectares of fertile farmland; an 8.5-kilometre-long dike was built across the mudflats. If you are interested in coastal history, you can explore the area's formation, settlement and agriculture as interconnected topics here.
Dike Closure, Settlement and Farms
Settlement took place from 1957 to 1959. A total of 41 farms were established, approximately half of which were allocated to refugees. Around half of the farms are still run by families of the first settlers, now in the second and third generations. These details shed light on different aspects of the area's settlement history: the allocation of farms and the continuation of some agricultural businesses across generations. Thus, the date the dike was closed also marks the start of a story about how people settled and made use of the newly reclaimed land.
The Landscape Today
Numerous wind turbines define the Koog's appearance today. Alongside its history as fertile farmland, the area's present-day landscape is also a visible part of its character.
Nature Experiences and Birdwatching
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog is part of the Wiedingharde. There, nature experiences in the national park, walks along the dike and birdwatching in a nature reserve near the Wadden Sea are among the things to enjoy. A specific seasonal highlight is the nearby Rickelsbüller Koog: thousands of migratory birds stop there between autumn and spring. The birds you can actually observe vary from year to year. So, if you are interested in bird migration, this period is useful for planning, without guaranteeing any particular sightings.
In nearby Rickelsbüller Koog, guided walking, birdwatching and cycling tours through and around the area are available; their availability depends on the current programme. Around nearby Lake Gotteskoog, guided walks cover approximately 2.5 kilometres. If you would like to include a guided tour in your stay, it is worth checking the programme and dates in advance for both offers.
Visitor Tips in the Wiedingharde
The Wiedingharde Information Centre in Klanxbüll offers visitor tips, local services and bicycle rentals. Check its opening hours before travelling. If you are interested in guided tours, also check the latest dates: what is available depends on the current programme.
North Frisia in a Wider Context
As a wider travel destination, North Frisia offers an extensive coastal setting: the region has 441 kilometres of coastline. The five North Frisian islands in Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park include Sylt, Föhr and Amrum. North Frisia also comprises ten Halligen, distinctive landscape formations within the national park. By comparison, the focus in Friedrich-Wilhelm-Lübke-Koog is on the history of land reclamation and its farms. This gives you a chance to weigh the local focus against North Frisia's other coastal attractions when deciding which aspects you would like to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Wittbek, Südermarsch, Goldebek, Oster-Ohrstedt, Ahrenviölfeld, Neukirchen, Osterhever, Süderhöft.
Return to the wider travel guide: North Frisia.
