Geltinger Birk

Geltinger Birk is a nature reserve along the Lübeck Bay in Schleswig-Holstein featuring marshes, salt meadows, forests, dunes, beaches, and shallow water areas with seagrass beds. The area spans more than 700 hectares and offers various trails to explore the different landscape types.

The area lay underwater until the first dike was built in 1581 along the Lübeck Bay coast. This construction allowed agriculture to develop and shaped the landscape for centuries to come.

The visitor center displays exhibits about the reserve's nature and history, offering guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. You can learn more about the habitats and wildlife that thrive here.

The reserve has designated parking areas and several well-marked trails of varying lengths. Dogs must be kept on short leashes, and access to certain areas is restricted during breeding season.

The reserve hosts around 200 bird species year-round, with 90 of them nesting here. Konik horses and Galloway cattle maintain open grasslands through natural grazing, helping keep the ecosystem in balance.

Location: Nieby

Location: Gelting

Inception: 1952

Website: https://geltinger-birk.de

GPS coordinates: 54.78970,9.91500

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03