What you need day to day and what is worth a weekend trip. Short and honest.
Brunsbüttel in pictures →There is a lot of construction going on around the ChemCoast Park: energy, grids, ports and chemicals. Here are the major projects and companies at a glance.
Schleswig-Holstein's largest contiguous industrial area sits right where the Kiel Canal meets the Elbe. Chemicals, oil, energy and logistics on around 2,000 hectares, with its own deep-water port.
3–12 min
from your apartment to all 10 major projects
Tip: move your mouse over the map or scroll through the list.
German LNG Terminal GmbH (KfW, Gasunie, RWE)
Permanent import terminal for liquefied natural gas with two 165,000 m³ tanks on 31 hectares, later also for green gases. Investment around €1 billion.
Under construction since 2024, start-up planned for 2027
8 min drive (3.7 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceDeutsche Energy Terminal (Bund), Brunsbüttel Ports
The special vessel “Höegh Gannet” has been feeding natural gas into the grid since January 2023. A new berth, “Jetty West”, is being built for it in the Elbe port.
Berth under construction since 2024, vessel move planned for winter 2026
8 min drive (3.2 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceWasserstraßen-Neubauamt Nord-Ostsee-Kanal (Bund)
New lock chamber, 360 metres long and 45 metres wide, one of Germany's largest hydraulic engineering sites. Investment around €1.2 billion.
Under construction since 2014, opening expected in 2027
3 min drive (1.2 km) from our apartments
SourceTenneT, Bau: Siemens Energy
Starting point of the SuedLink direct-current power highway to Baden-Württemberg with 4 gigawatts. Two converter halls around 20 metres high on some 2,300 concrete piles.
Under construction since February 2024, start-up planned for 2028
9 min drive (4.5 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceVattenfall
One of Germany's largest battery storage systems and Vattenfall's largest battery project, on the site of the former nuclear plant: 254 megawatts and around 1,000 megawatt-hours, with a new substation on the 380 kV grid. The town approved the development plan in December 2025, and on 10 September 2026 Vattenfall took the final decision to build.
Final decision to build 10 September 2026, operation planned for end of 2028
12 min drive (5.2 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceVattenfall
The plant, shut down in 2007, is being completely dismantled. Since December 2025 the permit for the second phase, including the reactor pressure vessel, has been in place.
Dismantling since 2018, around ten more years (until approx. 2035)
12 min drive (5.2 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceCovestro, Technik: Rondo Energy
At Covestro's MDI plant, one of the three largest in Europe, a 100-megawatt-hour heat battery is being built. It stores green electricity as heat in bricks and will supply around ten percent of the site's steam, supported among others by the European Investment Bank.
Groundbreaking January 2026, operation planned for end of 2026
10 min drive (5.0 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceSasol Germany
Expansion of the chemical plant with a production unit for catalyst carriers. Investment around €60 million.
Construction start end of 2026, operation planned for 2029
6 min drive (4.0 km) from our apartments
SourceCopenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Planned 120-megawatt electrolyser in the ChemCoast Park for around 12,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year. The European Hydrogen Bank is funding the project with €154.6 million.
In preparation, connection to the hydrogen grid planned for 2029
7 min drive (3.5 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceRWE
Announced terminal for green ammonia with conversion into hydrogen, initially 300,000 tonnes per year. Yara's ammonia import terminal has already been operating since October 2024.
Planned, construction start still open
8 min drive (3.2 km) from our apartments via the free canal ferry
SourceAs of October 2026. Information from public sources of the companies and authorities, without guarantee. Timelines may change.
The world's busiest artificial waterway starts here. From the viewing platform you can watch large ships enter the lock chambers up close.
Website3 km · approx. 6 min by car
Heated outdoor pool right on the Elbe dyke at the lock entrance: swim your lengths while pilots steer the big ships into the lock. Open daily from mid-May to the end of August.
Website2 km · approx. 5 min by car
Foto: Eduard47, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The ferries across the Kiel Canal are free for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. A small adventure on the way south.
Website3 km · approx. 6 min by car
Walk or cycle along the dyke with views of the Elbe and the container ships heading to Hamburg. After 8 kilometres you reach Neufeld.
3 km · approx. 6 min by car
One of the largest industrial areas in Schleswig-Holstein with chemicals, energy and the Elbe port. The workplace for many of our guests, just minutes away.
Website5 km · approx. 8 min by car
Right at the locks: how the Kiel Canal was built and how the locks work, with models and a view of the ships. Free admission.
Website1 km · approx. 3 min by car
Foto: Peter Oldekop, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Once a year the town centre turns into a flea market: over 400 stalls in Koogstraße, Schleusenstraße and around the market square and town hall. Next date: 12 June 2027.
Website1 km · approx. 3 min by car
Foto: Radler59, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Hop on your bike at the door and follow the dyke: via St. Margarethen and Glückstadt to Wedel and on to Hamburg. Sheep, ships and lots of sky included.
WebsiteStarts right in Brunsbüttel, about 57 km to Glückstadt
Foto: Naturliebhaberin, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Stage 13 starts in Brunsbüttel. From here the route follows the dykes up the coast, past polders, fishing harbours and the Wadden Sea to the Danish border.
WebsiteStarts right in Brunsbüttel
Foto: Assenmacher, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Sorted by distance from our apartments, nearest first.
Travel the entire Kiel Canal, from Brunsbüttel to Kiel or the other way round, through both locks and under ten high bridges, on the historic paddle steamer "Freya" with brunch and cake buffet. Only on selected summer days, book early.
Tickets & dates6 min by car to the pier at the lock, then around 9 h on board to Kiel; return by train or bus
Foto: Hajotthu, CC BY-SA 3.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The former fishing village with its small tidal harbour is 8 kilometres down the Elbe, on foot or by bike along the dyke. Up on the dyke, the restaurant "Op'n Diek" serves shrimps, fish and the legendary Neufeld egg grog, with a view across the salt marsh to the big ships.
Website10 km · approx. 13 min by car
The "Hopen" airfield, ICAO code EDXM, sits on the edge of the higher ground and is run by the Dithmarschen air sports club. In good weather there are sightseeing flights by plane or helicopter: the Elbe, the canal, the Wadden Sea and Brunsbüttel from above. Watching the gliders and the winch launch is fun too.
Website12 km · approx. 18 min by car
Punted in a real Spreewald boat through the quiet moorland at the foot of the old cliff, from the landing in Kuden. By appointment only, ideal for groups and teams.
Website13 km · approx. 20 min by car
Foto: Nightflyer, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Pedal along an old railway line for 9 kilometres through the marshland: the Marschenbahn rail bike runs between Marne and St. Michaelisdonn, for 2 to 4 people, electric version available. Daily from May to September, book online in advance. From €35 per rail bike.
Tickets & dates14 km · approx. 16 min by car
Foto: Beispielbild: Draisine bei Zeven, Geogast, CC BY-SA 3.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Behind the scenes of "Dithmarscher Pilsener": a tour of the brewhouse and cellars with tasting, as an after-work or tasting tour, bookable online.
Website14 km · approx. 18 min by car
Foto: Eduard47, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
On the higher ground near Burg: forests and nature to discover, with a lookout tower and a sensory garden. Open from Good Friday to the end of October, Tuesday to Sunday.
Website18 km · approx. 25 min by car
Foto: Nightflyer, CC BY 3.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Wilster's half-timbered Old Town Hall from 1585 is a real eye-catcher. On the way you pass the Honigfleth drainage windmill, the only working Koker mill in Germany. The marsh nearby holds Germany's lowest point on land near Neuendorf-Sachsenbande, perfect for a bike ride through the flat countryside.
Website20 km · approx. 20 min by car
Foto: Torsten Bolten, CC BY-SA 3.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Rescue centre for young harbour and grey seals with feedings and an exhibition. Great with children.
Website27 km · approx. 30 min by car
Foto: Sujalajus, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The Dithmarschen Cathedral towers over the marshland, and the state museum next door tells the story of the old farmers' republic. By the way, the cathedral is not a "real" one, but everyone calls it that. Then stroll through the old town or down to the little harbour.
Website30 km · approx. 30 min by car
Foto: Stefan Oemisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Fresh Matjes herring by the historic harbour, with the famous Matjes weeks every June. Hop on the Elbe ferry to Wischhafen and you are in Lower Saxony in no time.
Website32 km · approx. 32 min by car
Foto: GFreihalter, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Here, at the Battle of Hemmingstedt in 1500, the farmers of Dithmarschen defeated the army of the Danish king. The boulder on the mound commemorates it, open all year round.
Website35 km · approx. 40 min by car
Foto: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
North Sea resort with harbour, shrimp boats, grass beach and promenade. Fish rolls included.
Website40 km · approx. 40 min by car
Foto: Bjoern Schwarz, CC BY-SA 2.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Megalithic tombs, reconstructed Stone Age houses and old livestock breeds in a wide landscape: see how people lived in Dithmarschen 5,000 years ago. A lovely place for a walk, also with children.
Website40 km · approx. 45 min by car
Foto: Nightflyer, CC BY 3.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Heide has Germany's largest undeveloped market square, with a market every Saturday. Add the old water tower and plenty of cafés around the square.
Website42 km · approx. 40 min by car
Foto: Phantom3Pix, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
A sandy beach right on the Elbe, storm surge marks at the dyke gate and sheep on the dyke. Then cake and ice cream at Café Sünnschien, a must for Heidi and Heinz. Take the free canal ferry and drive via Glückstadt.
Website42 km · approx. 46 min by car
Foto: Naturliebhaberin, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Every year in late September, Dithmarschen spends a whole week celebrating cabbage: the ceremonial first cut, cabbage dishes in restaurants and events across the region.
Website49 km · approx. 50 min by car
Foto: Dirk Ingo Franke, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The Wadden Sea up close: a huge whale skeleton, aquariums with North Sea fish and hands-on stations for children and adults. A good plan when the weather is not playing along. Right behind the Eider bridge.
Website65 km · approx. 1 h 9 min by car
Foto: Dirk Ingo Franke, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
A slice of Holland in North Frisia: canals, stepped gables and little bridges, built by Dutch religious refugees. Best enjoyed on a leisurely boat trip through the canals and along the Treene.
Tickets & dates68 km · approx. 1 h 15 min by car
Foto: Radler59, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The Halunder Jet leaves from the Elbe dyke in Brunsbüttel and reaches Heligoland in just over two hours: the Lange Anna sea stack, gannets, grey seals on the dune beach and duty-free shopping. March to early November on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (Thursdays too in summer) at 10:35, back around 18:40.
Tickets & datesTotal approx. 2 h 20 min: 7 min by car to the pier, then just over 2 h on the Halunder Jet
Foto: Jörg Braukmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
Miles of sandy beach with stilt houses, kite surfers and plenty of space. The North Sea classic.
Website80 km · approx. 1 h 10 min by car
City, port and culture are within easy reach for a day trip.
Website85 km · approx. 1 h 15 min by car
Foto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
The wet meadows along the Eider and Treene are full of frogs, which is why so many storks nest here in summer, high up on cartwheels. Combines well with a trip to Friedrichstadt.
Website96 km · approx. 1 h 19 min by car
Foto: Beispielbild: Storchenpaar am Nest, Sonnenscheinsusi, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
This was once the great Viking trading town. Seven reconstructed Viking houses on the Haddeby Noor and a museum full of finds show how the seafarers lived who hauled their boats via the Eider and Treene to the Schlei. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Website106 km · approx. 1 h 35 min by car
Foto: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 4.0, bearbeitet (Ausschnitt), via Wikimedia Commons
All the tips above at a glance. Click a point to jump to its tile. Yellow with a heart: tip from Heidi & Heinz.
History and stories
Heinz and Heidi Glindemann tell stories of the marshland, the locks, the "King of Rot" of Neufeld, the polders to Friedrichskoog and the Elbe to Hamburg. With many trip tips from locals.
Read the whole story