Appen: Nature, Moorland and History

Appen combines a local history dating back to 1269 with the Tävsmoor as a special natural area. If you are looking for a hotel in Appen, its different attractions can guide your travel plans: landscapes and biodiversity, nature education or local history.

Tävsmoor and Biodiversity

The Tävsmoor forms the northern part of the approximately 150-hectare Tävsmoor/Haselauer Moor Nature Reserve and is located in Appen. The area drains via the Appener Beek into the Pinnau. The area figure refers to the entire nature reserve.

More than 300 vascular plant species have been recorded across the nature reserve; at least 40 of them are listed on Schleswig-Holstein’s Red List of Ferns and Flowering Plants. More than 100 bird species have also been observed there, including 53 documented breeding bird species. The observation figure and the number of breeding species offer different insights into the area’s birdlife.

When visiting the nature reserve, stay on the paths; dogs must be kept on a leash. Appener See is a former gravel pit.

Experience and Understand Nature

Several information stations at the Gut Schäferhof nature discovery area introduce visitors to local nature. There is also an educational garden and an observation station by the lake. The stations in the display and teaching garden are designed for participation and learning. One distinctive feature is the “herb person”: an herb bed shaped like a person. This brings together information and hands-on participation. Schäferhof is a popular destination for excursions and plays a role in environmental education.

Local History and Practical Information

Appen is first mentioned in a deed of donation by Heinrich von Barmstede dated September 19, 1269. Appen’s local history archive is located in the municipal rooms at Gärtnerstraße 10. It is a five-minute walk from the Bouhlentwiete bus stop. Visits can be arranged by email.

Appen in the Wedeler Au Regional Park

Appen is one of the municipalities participating in the cross-border Wedeler Au Regional Park. Its projects promote nature conservation and nature-oriented recreation close to home. The regional park offers signposted cycling routes through meadows, pastures, forests and tree nurseries. The three themed routes are named Elbroute, Dünenroute and Waldroute.

In the broader destination of Pinneberg

The broader destination of Pinneberg also includes attractions in the town of Pinneberg. Pinneberger Fahlt is a wooded area in Pinneberg city forest, used for walking, jogging and sports. The tree park in Pinneberg includes the 26 “Trees of the Year”; the idea came about in 2013 as part of the International Garden Show igs Hamburg, in the Pinneberger Baumschulland exhibition area. Drosteipark is also located directly behind Pinneberg town centre and offers walking paths as well as opportunities for sports and exercise; the Drostei is the cultural centre of Pinneberg district, hosting exhibitions, concerts and literary events.

Discover more destinations: Haseldorf, Westerhorn, Elmshorn, Ellerbek, Heede, Borstel-Hohenraden, Neuendeich, Prisdorf

Go to the broader travel overview: Pinneberg.