Wingst: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Only about 10 km away from the North Sea coast lies the small community of Wingst in Lower Saxony. Here at the mouth of the Elbe into the sea, there are wonderful opportunities for an active holiday with the whole family as well as relaxing hours at the nearby and typical North Sea green beaches and small sandy beaches.
Table of contents
Wingst - Must-see attractions
Zoo in the Wingst
The Wingst Forest Zoo – also known as the Zoo in the Wingst – is located on the edge of the forest of the small community and fittingly focuses on many animals whose natural habitat is various forests around the world. One focus of the forest zoo is on monkeys like the cute marmosets. Wolves, alpacas, and bears are just some of the other zoo inhabitants. A highlight for the little ones is the petting zoo. As a special feature, rabbits roam freely throughout the entire area.
The German Olymp
The observation tower rises 23 meters high at the western edge of Wingst. It is a popular destination for hiking tours through the rural surroundings and the forest around the holiday resort. The all-around glazing of the observation platform guarantees a magnificent panoramic view. Thanks to its location on a small hill, it offers you a wide view at around 90 meters above sea level. You can see far across the landscape to the Langen Moor and, in clear weather, far beyond the Elbe.
Wingst Forest Outdoor Pool
A dense forest frames the forest outdoor pool with its expansive sunbathing lawn. Many trees offer relaxing spots in the shade. The forest outdoor pool is part of the combined indoor and outdoor pool Wingst and is worth a visit with the whole family at any time of the year. The highlight of the indoor and outdoor pool is the 100 m long giant slide. The outdoor pool invites you to swim laps with its six lanes, each 50 m long, while the slide, diving towers, and water play equipment delight little water enthusiasts.
Wingst Playground
The highlights include the summer toboggan run. Young and old race around the curves on 500 m. The high ropes course also offers action-packed climbing between the treetops. The little ones try their first climbing attempts on the low ropes course. Kids have lots of fun on the go-kart track in the Wingst play park. And a game of mini-golf is a must. To conclude the successful visit, an exciting treasure hunt in the pirate world with a large pirate ship challenges the whole family.
Natureum Lower Elbe
The Natureum Niederelbe is worth a family visit with its large open-air park. Highlights include the Elbe Coast Park with interactive stations on the topics of tides and storm surges. There is an exciting beehive, and migratory birds can be perfectly observed here. In the permanent exhibition of the Natureum, you can learn interesting facts about the animal and plant life on the Elbe River and the importance of the region for migratory birds. Amber and its formation are also a focus of the exhibition. Particularly impressive is the sperm whale skeleton.
Wingster Forest
With its just over 70 meters in height, the Silberberg in the middle of the Wingst Forest is one of the highest elevations in the flat coastal hinterland. You can go even higher by climbing the Deutscher Olymp observation tower with a wide view over the forest landscape. Various shorter and longer hiking routes are well marked in the Wingst Forest around the town of the same name for your family outing into nature. The Wingst Forest Zoo is definitely worth an animal detour on a walk with children.
Wingst - Secret spots
Walking over the Jewish Cemetery in Wingst
At the edge of Wingst, nestled in a forest landscape, lies the Jewish Cemetery. Discover the old tombstones on a walk through this small cemetery. Some of the graves are well over 100 years old and impress with their ornate headstones. Enjoy the wonderful silence that envelops this peaceful place.
Wingst Megalithic Tomb
The megalithic tomb Wingst in Lower Saxony is a hidden prehistoric monument that dates back to the Neolithic period and offers insights into the spiritual practices of early inhabitants. Away from well-known tourist paths, this tranquil place allows for a deep connection to the past amidst natural silence. Discovering the tomb is like a journey through time, with the silence of the forest making the closeness to long human history palpable and inviting reflection.
Dobrock Forest
The Dobrock Forest near Wingst in Germany attracts nature lovers and adventurers with its deep, enchanted woods and tranquil atmosphere. As a biodiversity oasis, it offers insight into the diverse animal and plant life along quiet paths that lead through tall trees and hidden clearings. The occasional sounds of wildlife, from birdsong to rustling in the underbrush, enrich the immersive nature experience.
Osten-Hemmoor transporter bridge
The Osten-Hemmoor transporter bridge, located between Osten and Hemmoor near Wingst, is a rare technical masterpiece. This unique transport bridge from the early 20th century, one of the few worldwide, carries vehicles and pedestrians across the Oste River using an overhead gliding carriage and is a testament to innovative engineering.
Wingst - In 3 days
Day 1
Between the Elbe, Oste, and the North Sea, three relaxing days begin in the green Osteland. After arriving, you set off on a leisurely family hike. In the hilly forest landscape of the marshland between Cuxhaven and Stade, you breathe in the fresh scent—a mix of salty North Sea air and lush forest greenery. Follow the signposted circular hiking trail to the hamlets of Neuhaus and the idyllic village of Oberndorf on the Oste. Those less able to walk can also complete the tour by bike. Near Neuhaus, the Ostesee offers a refreshing cool down. During a long break, the children splash in the water while the parents relax in a beach chair by the water. Those with energy left can test their skills at the water ski facility or explore the Ostesee by canoe. An alternative beautiful circular tour leads to the Balksee in the Wingst. From the observation tower, you have a lovely view over the moor lake in the nature reserve.
Day 2
Playing and romping is the order of the morning on the second day in Wingst. In the play park with bouncing and climbing equipment, trampolines, and a water playground, children get their money's worth. Highlights for bigger adventurers include the 500-meter-long summer toboggan run and the tree rope course. After that, it's off to the zoo. You can spend the afternoon diversely with a trip to the Natureum Niederelbe. The facility at the Elbe estuary can be quickly reached by car in a quarter of an hour. The open-air museum combines a museum, zoo, and park. In the museum, you learn about the impressive animal and plant world of the ecosystem. Curious explorers can look into a real beehive or listen to bird calls. In the Elbe Coastal Park, you can look far into the mudflats and meadows from the observation tower, where thousands of migratory birds settle in autumn and spring. Other animals like turtles, otters, and the mighty Schleswig cold-blooded horses are spread throughout the park grounds. Some can even be petted.
Day 3
On your last day in Wingst, you delve deeper into the history of the Osteland. After a half-hour drive, you arrive in Cuxhaven. During a visit to Ritzebüttel Castle, an impressive building from the 17th century, you discover its rich cultural heritage. As part of an entertaining tour through the magnificent rooms, you feel transported to the past. Afterwards, a stroll through the town with its shops, restaurants, and cafes is worthwhile. In the afternoon, an idyllic boat trip on the Oste rounds off your three-day stay in Wingst. From Oberndorf, the excursion ship Mocambo takes you upstream on the Oste to its mouth in the Elbe. Sit back as you let the magnificent natural scenery pass by. Numerous loops and bends lead through marshland and geest. This relaxed journey offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the eventful days.