Finkenwerder Süderelbe, Nature reserve in Hamburg-Mitte and Harburg, Germany

Finkenwerder Süderelbe is a nature reserve featuring shallow waterways with dense reed beds and tidal creeks running through them. This patchwork of water and vegetation creates varied habitats for birds and other wildlife.

The reserve was created on 17 June 1997 from the 170-hectare Alte Süderelbe nature reserve designated in 1989, which was split for administrative reasons into Finkenwerder Süderelbe and the neighbouring Westerweiden. The Alte Süderelbe itself, a former side arm of the Elbe, was cut off from the tidal river after the 1962 storm surge. A planned reopening as compensation for port expansion at Altenwerder and the Francop dredging field was dropped after the Airbus site and runway were extended.

The reserve is connected to the farming traditions of Finkenwerder, where fruit cultivation has been practiced for generations. The proximity to these orchards shows how agriculture and nature continue to coexist in this landscape.

Two observation huts provide shelter and good vantage points for watching birds in their habitats. Binoculars are helpful for spotting distant wildlife, and the paths are easy to navigate.

The reserve was carved out of the 170-hectare Alte Süderelbe reserve designated in 1989, split for administrative reasons into Finkenwerder Süderelbe and neighbouring Westerweiden. Plans to reopen the old arm to the tide, floated as compensation for port expansion at Altenwerder and the Francop dredging field, were dropped after the Airbus site and its runway were extended.