Tönning Travel Guide

Discover the beauty and charm of Tönning, Germany with our comprehensive travel guide. From must-see attractions to hiking routes and local cuisine, we have everything you need to plan your perfect trip.


Tönning is a picturesque town on the North Sea Coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Known for its rich history, diverse cultural attractions, and breathtaking natural scenery, it has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Tönning, highlighting its best landmarks, activities, and local treasures. So pack your bags and let’s get started!

Introduction to Tönning

Located in the heart of Central Europe, Tönning is an idyllic town with a population of around 5,000. It is situated on the Eider River estuary and is surrounded by natural reserves, marshes, and dunes. The town is a mix of old and new, with traditional houses, museums, and churches sharing the space with modern cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

List of Places to Visit in Tönning

No matter what your interests are, Tönning has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top places to visit on your trip:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Multimar Wattforum: This state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to the world of the Wadden Sea. It has numerous interactive exhibits, aquariums, and a cinema.
  • Packhaus Museum: Housed in an old warehouse, this maritime museum showcases the town’s history of fishing, shipping, and trade.
  • Schloss Tönning: The castle of Tönning is a beautiful red-brick building with a moat that now serves as the local government building.
  • St. Laurentius Church: A classic example of Northern German Baroque architecture and one of the town’s oldest landmarks.

Natural Attractions of Tönning: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Eider River: Tönning is situated where the Eider River meets the North Sea, making it ideal for boat tours and fishing trips.
  • Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers extraordinary tidal mud flats and provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Dithmarscher Bucht: The picturesque bay is ideal for bird watching, walking, and biking.
  • Katinger Watt: A natural reserve with wonderful views over marshes, meadows, and the sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tönning

The area surrounding Tönning is a paradise for adventurers who love hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Elmshorn - Tönning route: A 25 km scenic bike route that passes by the Eider River and offers breathtaking views of the Wadden Sea.
  • Heverstromer Muhlenroute: A 60 km biking trip that takes you through various windmills and watermills in the region.
  • North Sea Cycle Route: A 6,000 km long bike path that starts in Norway and passes through Tönning on the way to the Netherlands.

Best Things to Do in Tönning: Activities and Tours

There’s an abundance of exciting activities to choose from in Tönning. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Boat tours: Join one of the many boat tours to explore the Eider river and the Wadden Sea, where you can spot seals and dolphins.
  • Kayaking and canoeing: Rent a kayak or a canoe and discover the beauty of the Eider River and its surroundings.
  • Beach trips: Take a day trip to St. Peter Ording, one of the most spectacular beaches of the Wadden Sea region.
  • Christmas Market: Visit Tönning in December to experience the magical Christmas market with local crafts, culinary delights, and festive music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tönning

If you’re planning to spend a week in Tönning, here’s a perfect itinerary for you:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Multimar Wattforum Museum.
2 Take a bike trip to St. Peter Ording beach.
3 Enjoy a boat tour of the Eider River and the Wadden Sea.
4 Explore the Packhaus Museum and the Schloss Tönning.
5 Go bird watching at Dithmarscher Bucht and Katinger Watt.
6 Take a day trip to the historic city of Lübeck.
7 Visit the St. Laurentius Church and explore the town’s streets, shops, and restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Tönning

Tönning is known for its delicious cuisine that features fresh seafood from the Wadden Sea and traditional German dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tönninger Krabben: Freshly caught shrimp served with homemade bread and dipping sauces.
  • Büsumer Fischsuppe: A hearty fish soup with potatoes, vegetables, and different types of fish.
  • Matjesbrötchen: A fresh bun with pickled herring and onions.

Local Beverages

  • Schleswig-Holstein beer: There are several local breweries that produce different types of beer that pair perfectly with the local cuisine.
  • Eider Gold Schnapps: A local schnapps made from apples that grows in the Eider River region.

Where to Stay in Tönning: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tönning has accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Pension Zur Post: A charming guesthouse in the heart of Tönning with comfortable rooms and a garden.
  • Hotel Arild: A stylish boutique hotel with modern amenities and a delicious breakfast buffet.
  • DJH Jugendherberge Tönning: A cozy hostel for budget travelers with a fully equipped kitchen and a shared lounge area.

What to Buy in Tönning: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tönning is known for its traditional crafts, handmade products, and local food specialties. Here are some great souvenirs and products to bring home:

  • Wadden Sea Salt: A natural salt that comes from the waters of the Wadden Sea near Tönning.
  • Eider Ducks: The local ducks that live in the Eider River estuary.
  • Traditional Crafts: The town has several small shops and markets that sell traditional crafts like pottery, wood carvings, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Tönning

Tönning has a rich maritime history and is known for its unique culture and customs. Here are some interesting facts:

  • Fishing traditions: The town has a long history of fishing and celebrates the Fischmarkt or Fish Festival every year.
  • Regional dialect: The locals speak Plattdeutsch, which is a North German dialect different from standard German.
  • Carnival Season: Tönning has a vibrant carnival season with costume parties, parades, and street festivals in February and March.

Best Time to Visit Tönning

The best time to visit Tönning is from May to September when the weather is warmer and the town is bustling with tourists and events. However, if you’re interested in bird watching, the winter months are also great when you can see thousands of migratory birds on the Wadden Sea.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tönning

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Tönning:

Do:

  • Respect the nature and wildlife: Tönning is part of a national park with protected areas that are home to a variety of plants and animals.
  • Try the local food: Tönning has a rich culinary tradition with fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables that are grown locally.
  • Learn some Plattdeutsch: Many locals speak Plattdeutsch and will appreciate your efforts to communicate with them in their dialect.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb the environment: Tönning is a pristine natural area with strict regulations on littering and disturbing the environment.
  • Be loud or disrespectful in public places: Tönning is a peaceful town, and loud behavior or drunkenness is not tolerated in public places.
  • Confuse Plattdeutsch with German: Although they are similar, Plattdeutsch and German are different languages with different grammar and vocabulary.

Safety and Health

Tönning is a safe town with a low crime rate and a friendly local community. Here are some essential safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Tönning

  • Watch out for bicycles: Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in Tönning, so be careful when crossing the streets or bike lanes.
  • Respect the water: Although the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea are beautiful, they can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers or swimmers. Be sure to follow the rules and guidelines.

Health in Tönning

  • Visit a doctor or hospital if needed: Tönning has modern medical facilities and pharmacies that can assist you in case of an emergency.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle with you on your outdoor activities, especially on hot summer days.

Getting to Tönning: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tönning is easily accessible by different means of transportation. Here are the main options:

Airports Near Tönning

  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): The closest international airport to Tönning, with numerous flights from different parts of the world.

Bus Stations Near Tönning

  • Tönning ZOB: The main bus station in Tönning with connections to other towns in the region.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Tönning is easily accessible by car, and there are several car rental companies in the area.
  • Train: The closest train station is in Husum, approximately 15 km from Tönning.

How to Get Around in Tönning

Tönning is a walkable town with several bike paths and pedestrian areas. However, if you need to travel further, there are also buses and taxis available.

Where to Go Next from Tönning: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tönning is an excellent starting point for exploring the North Sea Coast and the surrounding regions. Here are some suggested destinations:

  • Husum: A charming town with beautiful parks, museums, and historical landmarks.
  • Kiel: The state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, with a vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and a maritime museum.
  • Sylt: A popular holiday island with stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Tönning is a hidden gem on the North Sea Coast that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. We hope this guide has inspired you to visit this beautiful town and discover all that it has to offer. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or enjoying delicious local cuisine, Tönning has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect trip to Tönning today!