Schleswig-Holstein is one of those German states that somehow manages to always surprise you; for reasons like the town of Fockbek. If you ask the residents of this very northern German town, they’ll tell you that it’s got a great “blend of urban and rural life.”
Very true.
The Marktplatz isn’t framed by a myriad of half-timbered houses, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like it. This is an old fishing village, so it’s only fitting that there’s a Fishing Fountain located right here.
So, why is the the Fockbeker Dorfmuseum about farming instead of fishing? Just questions to ponder as you wander.
Actually, you don’t have to wander around aimlessly in Fockbek, the well-marked hiking and biking trails are color-coded to take you to what you want to see most. Whether you’re walking or biking your way, the Orange Route will take you out to the Fockenbeker See. Don’t panic, it’s only some 4km along the lake.
The Green Route (walking) and Red Route (biking) goes along the Fockbeker Moor, a landscape created thousands of years ago. The hiking route is only about 9km, while the bike route is 18km. There’s also another bike route along the Moor, the Grey Route — it’s just shorter at 11.2km.
A good hike or bike ride deserves a rest, so go to the Freibad Fockbek. This outdoor pool is affordable, family friendly, and if you’re lucky enough to be here on the season’s opening day it’s free. Otherwise you’ll have to pay a few Euro for the pleasure.
Fockbek is also the “seat” of a collective municipality of the same name. So after you’ve seen the best of Fockbek proper, you might want to go see the little brick church in the village of Nübbel, or the once abandoned (thanks to the Thirty Years’ War) hamlet of Rickert.
So, if you find yourself in neighboring Rendsburg — come take a look at Fockbek, it’ll find ways to surprise you.
