Garding is centrally located on the Eiderstedt peninsula. Excursion destinations include the beaches of St. Peter-Ording, Tönning’s historic harbour, the Multimar Wattforum, Friedrichstadt and the Westerhever lighthouse. In the town itself, church art, local history and green spaces are among the main attractions. This means you can get to know Garding both as a base for excursions and through its own sights.
St. Christian and Garding’s architectural history
St. Christian was built in 1109. Its two-aisled hall and vaulted interior are considered unique on Eiderstedt. The organ dates from 1512 and is regarded as the oldest organ in northern Germany. The winged altarpiece, created in 1596, is considered a major work of Mannerism in Schleswig-Holstein. The 43-metre-high tower is also remarkable: it is the highest point on the Eiderstedt peninsula and once served as a navigational landmark because it was visible far out in the North Sea. The building, organ and altarpiece each offer a different glimpse into the church’s history.
Discover local history on foot
Historical town walks explain Garding’s history and reveal corners visitors might not find on their own. The two-hour tours are available for individuals and groups and can be booked on request. If you are planning a tour, check the current booking arrangements in advance. Blue town-story signs at historic sights offer another way to find your bearings. They explain the sites’ past; a map showing the stops is available from the Tourist Information Office.
The Old Deaconry is another historic landmark in the town: it is Garding’s oldest house, and Theodor Mommsen was born there. Together with the town walks and story signs, it offers another perspective on Garding’s history, alongside the church and art history of St. Christian.
Cultural events and weekly market
The cultural centre’s programme includes art exhibitions, literary circles, readings, a writing workshop and an art studio for children’s workshops. Individual offerings may change, so check the dates if you have a particular event in mind. The Garding Musicians’ Exchange has been held as a recurring concert event for musicians and music enthusiasts since 1998. Its dates and programme may also vary.
The traditional Tuesday market offers fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, baked goods, meat, fish and plants. The selection of vendors may vary. The market thus adds a reason of its own to visit the town, alongside its cultural and historical attractions.
Town park or urban woodland?
The town park in the centre has a tree trail, a boules court, play equipment and benches. The urban woodland, by contrast, has a circular trail with bridges and a meadow for picnics or barbecues. The two green spaces have different features: the town park has several facilities in the town centre, while the woodland has a circular trail and a meadow. Depending on your interests, you can choose between the park’s facilities and a walk through the woods.
Cycling and mobility
A network of cycle paths has been laid out in the town centre. The Tourist Information Office offers route suggestions and cycling maps; a bicycle service station with an air pump and tools is located outside the building. As cycling infrastructure can change, you can ask about current route suggestions before planning your trip.
Garding has the Gaarner Dörpsmobil for car sharing and electric car sharing. Availability and membership conditions may change. Check both before including the service in your plans. This lets you take account of the cycling and shared-car options available in town without confusing them with excursions on Eiderstedt.
Discover more destinations: LangeneĂź, Oldenswort, Bohmstedt, Hattstedt, Friedrich-Wilhelm-LĂĽbke-Koog, SĂĽderlĂĽgum, PoppenbĂĽll, NiebĂĽll.
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