Brodten

Gazing out at the shimmering expanse of Lübeck Bay, did you ever picture yourself standing on the edge of Brodten’s magnificent steep coast? This dramatic cliff, stretching four kilometers north of Travemünde, offers a breathtaking panorama. Brodten is nestled within the “Brodtener Winkel” conservation area. Its 20-meter-high cliffs have witnessed centuries of change, transforming from a haven for medieval beach pirates to a sanctuary for rare sand martins. Imagine those pirates, perched atop Brodten, scanning the horizon for unsuspecting ships to lure onto the treacherous sandbanks. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Today, Brodten welcomes nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The upper trail, accessible to all, meanders through woods, fields, and meadows, hugging the cliff’s edge. Benches invite you to pause and soak in the views. For the adventurous, the lower path presents a wilder experience, navigating fallen trees, rocks, and the ever-present surf. A keen eye might spot petrified thunderstones, sea urchins, or even a hag stone, a flint with a naturally formed hole, cherished as a talisman. Brodten’s steep coast also holds a vital ecological role. It’s a European bird sanctuary, crucial for sand martin breeding. The shallow waters provide a haven for waterfowl like the great crested grebe and tufted duck. The forces of nature continually reshape Brodten. The Baltic Sea relentlessly carves away at the cliffs, reclaiming about a meter each year, most noticeably during the winter months. This erosion is evident near the Seeblick Youth Centre, precariously close to the edge. From Hermannshöhe, the highest point on the Brodten cliffs between Travemünde and Niendorf, named after Travemünde’s honorary citizen, Consul Hermann Fehling, the view extends to the distant coastlines of Sierksdorf, Neustadt, and Grömitz. This spot once housed the Sea Temple, a pavilion featured in Thomas Mann’s “Buddenbrooks”. Today, a café stands in its place, offering stunning panoramic views. Brodten’s story is etched in stone, quite literally. Guided geological tours along the beach reveal the fascinating world of fossils and stones, some billions of years old, constantly exposed by the dynamic forces shaping this unique landscape.