Have you ever felt the whisper of history in the wind? Here at Finkenwerder Süderelbe you can. This isn’t just a nature reserve. It’s a living testament to Hamburg’s dynamic past and its resilient connection to the Elbe River.
Finkenwerder Süderelbe is a nature reserve a haven for wildlife. It covers nearly 100 hectares. It’s located in the western part of Hamburg. It’s situated just east of the Airbus plant in Finkenwerder. This area protects the western part of the Alte Süderelbe. The Alte Süderelbe is a former tributary of the Elbe River. It’s now cut off from the Elbe’s tidal influence. In many areas it’s only half a meter deep.
Before 1962 the area was part of the larger Naturschutzgebiet Alte Süderelbe. That area was 170 hectares. Due to administrative reasons it was divided into the Finkenwerder Süderelbe and Westerweiden nature reserves. The Finkenwerder Süderelbe was established in 1997.
The 1962 storm flood drastically altered the landscape. New dikes were built creating land connections. The plan was to reopen the Alte Süderelbe. It would act as a compensatory measure for the port expansion in Altenwerder and the industrial area in Francop. However the expansion of the Airbus site and the extension of the airfield’s runway made this impossible. The plan was eventually abandoned.
Today Finkenwerder Süderelbe thrives. It’s a network of quiet waterways reeds and high-growing vegetation. You’ll find remnants of riparian forest along the banks. The area is bordered by grasslands and even some orchards.
This sanctuary supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. Many meadow birds call this place home. The high-growing vegetation provides habitat for birds like the marsh harrier the spotted crake the golden oriole and the bearded reedling. You might even spot a kingfisher or an osprey. Several water and wading birds live here including the avocet various duck species and the shelduck. The reserve also serves as an important resting area for migratory birds. In winter many greylag and barnacle geese find refuge here. Plants like river ragwort common bentgrass and hemlock water-parsnip are just a few of the species found here.
The local NABU chapter maintains two observation hides. From these vantage points you can quietly admire the beauty of Finkenwerder Süderelbe. So take a moment breathe in the fresh air and let the tranquility of this special place wash over you. You are experiencing a place where nature and history coexist in perfect harmony. This is Finkenwerder Süderelbe a true gem of Hamburg’s natural landscape.