Buxtehude: Discover the Fleth, St. Petri and walking routes
Accommodation in Buxtehude
The Fleth shapes Buxtehude’s historic old town: the inner-city harbour canal and the canal-like Fleth complex tell the story of the town’s character as a historic trading centre. There is also brick architecture, a distinctive church building and routes with a wide range of themes. Whether you are mainly planning to explore the history of the old town, find activities for children or go for a hike, this is a good starting point for choosing accommodation in Buxtehude.
The Fleth and brick architecture in the old town
The Fleth offers several places where you can discover the town’s trading history first-hand. The Ewer Margareta, the last ship in Buxtehude’s fleet of ewer boats, can be visited there. A former motorised mill is also located on the Fleth: the mill dates back to 1860, was converted into a hotel and can be viewed from the outside.
The Church of St. Petri is a landmark visible from far away. Construction of the three-aisled brick basilica began in 1285; the church houses a Baroque high altar dating from 1710. The Fleth, mill and church each make a distinct impression: the former trading centre and its canal, the brick building and the historic church altar.
Museum and activities for children
The Buxtehude Museum brings history to life and offers many interactive, hands-on activities for children in its exhibitions. On the first Sunday of every month, the “Little Sunday Workshop” takes place there, with changing creative activities for children aged six and over. As the programme details may change, check the museum’s current information before your visit.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Buxtehude station to the museum. Under the “Travel for All” scheme, the museum has received the “Accessibility Checked” award; check the current certification details before travelling.
Walking routes with different themes
The Hare and Hedgehog Trail runs through Buxtehude from Wettloopsweg in the south to Has'- und Igeltwiete in the north. There are 14 hare and hedgehog sculptures along the route. The W5 Deichweg circular walking route starts and ends at Buxtehude harbour. Heading towards Estebrügge, the W5 follows the dike north; walkers can experience the tides of the Este along the way. The two routes therefore have very different themes: one combines a town walk with sculptures, while the other follows the dike and showcases the changing tides.
The W3 Altstadt–Neukloster walking route starts at Gurlittweg in Buxtehude and ends at Neukloster S-Bahn station. It is accessible throughout and features experience stations, including a barefoot trail and an opportunity to create a nature picture. You can also view a Viverkahn boat at Gurlittweg by the Westviver, the starting point of the accessible W3. The boat was formerly used to transport goods along the narrow ditches. Path surfaces and facilities may change; check the current conditions for your planned visit.
Buxtehude in the wider Stade destination
The wider Stade destination offers a broader landscape setting. The Stade district is characterised by extensive marshes along the Elbe, the cultural landscape of the Altes Land, river valleys in the Geest and wild, natural raised bogs. These landscapes offer opportunities for local recreation and observing nature. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between Buxtehude’s own urban experiences—the Fleth, St. Petri, museum and walking routes—and the landscape themes of the wider Stade destination.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Guderhandviertel, Mittelnkirchen, Großenwörden, Oederquart, Grünendeich, Freiburg, Sauensiek, Drochtersen.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Stade.
