Quickborn has made a home for itself on the edge of the famous Himmelmoor in North Germany. Less than an hour from the coast and a quick train ride up from Hamburg, it is a good stopover for those in the mood for exploring Germany’s lesser known gems.
It perches quietly in the Pinneberg district and preens itself, just waiting for you! ;-)
For centuries, the town was a quiet agricultural center, known for its peat moss. This resource was harvested from the Himmelmoor, Germany’s largest marsh. Now, peat is no longer cut, as locals have turned to internet distributorships for income, but you can still explore the marsh.
A narrow rail track serves as a guide for hikers and explorers. The broad expanses rolls and bucks under the gray Northern sky, and you’ll want to be careful where you put your feet. The plentiful rain keeps the marsh damp, and the thick muds have been known to steal boots and gum up motorbikes for explorers who are less than careful when they’re poking about in the bog.
Back in Quickborn proper, you’ll also want to talk care about where you put your feet. You’ll want to take care to put them in as many little boutiques as you can! In recent years, the area has seen a resurgence in hand crafts, so you can get some really special souvenirs here.
One you will really want to look for is an owl. Carved, printed, or embroidered, the owl is a symbol of the town. Each summer, there is a special festival honoring the owl. It’s a bit quirky, which is why the area is known in the region as the “Owl Town.” Practice your hoots for the competition and be prepared to sample all the hearty foods at the vendors’ stalls.
Quickborn also has been a birthplace for a number of German actors and actresses, who have contributed back to the local arts culture. If you have a chance, you will want to catch a play at the community theater. The local cast may not be famous right now, but you might have the chance to see the next big star before they are discovered by getting a quick seat here now!
