Discover Störkathen

Störkathen and its surroundings in Aukrug Nature Park appeal to travelers who want to combine their stay with trails and nature. The landscape is shaped by the Stör River, extensive forest areas and meadows; the area offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Störkathener Heide is a notable landmark for excursions. This 16-hectare nature reserve lies in the southeast of Aukrug Nature Park, near Kellinghusen. In the wider Steinburg travel destination, the district’s varied landscape stretches from the Elbe to the Holsteiner Auenland.

Heathland and nature

The heathland is part of a larger inland dune area that formed after the last ice age. The nature reserve includes dry sandy heath and wet heath, as well as water-filled hollows with transition mires rich in sphagnum moss. Störkathener Heide is part of the European Natura 2000 network. It provides suitable conditions for rabbits, slow worms, adders and common lizards. Up to 300 insect species live on and around heather. The alternation between dry heath, wet heath and boggy hollows therefore shapes the area’s natural character.

Trails and guided tours

The approximately 2.5-kilometer nature trail loops around the nature reserve. It offers children and families twelve stations, including a barefoot path. The forest nature trail is about 2,000 meters long and has around 80 information boards about the landscape and conservation work. The routes are therefore of a similar length, but have different focuses: the nature trail centers on its stations, while the forest nature trail provides information about the landscape and conservation. Guided tours in the heathland offer age-appropriate information about the forest ecosystem and complement the trails with an expert-led perspective.

Views and directions

A viewpoint at the Liliencron Stone offers views across Störkathener Heide. There is also a memorial stone in the heathland. For driving to the heath, there is a parking area on County Road 2 toward Störkathen. From Kellinghusen, reach it via Schützenstraße. A launching point associated with Störkathen is located at the Fitzbek-Rothensande road bridge and provides access to the Stör River. The 50-kilometer Nature Park Tour follows the Stör from Kellinghusen and includes the Störkathen area.

The scale of the outings can also help when choosing a destination: the trails and nature reserve are the local focus, while the Nature Park Tour places the Störkathen area within a longer route along the Stör. This makes exploring the heathland and taking an outing with a broader connection to the river distinct options. If you are looking for a hotel for a nature getaway, you can decide whether trails and nature in the reserve or a longer regional route better suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Brokstedt.

Go to the overview of the wider travel area: Kellinghusen.