In the heart of Eiderstedt in North Frisia lies the picturesque town of Garding with its historic old town. Its central location makes it an ideal vacation destination; here you’ll find cozy holiday apartments and vacation houses, lively restaurants and bars, quiet and green spots, and great shopping. As the cultural heart of the peninsula, it offers plenty to see, including St. Christians Church and the Altes Rathaus cultural center, and hosts a variety of events and activities. It’s also the ideal starting point for day trips, long bike rides, and hikes through the expansive countryside.
A popular day for a trip to the resort town of Garding is Tuesday, when the traditional weekly market and the lively town tour take place. Afterward, you can browse the small shops in the old town and enjoy lunch or coffee at one of Garding’s restaurants. The shops “Offizine” and “Das Friedrichs” promise a special selection of goods in a lovely atmosphere.
Do you have questions about your visit? Then stop by the Garding Tourist Information Office!
Garding, with its winding alleys and historic buildings, is a town steeped in history. Blue informational signs (PDF flyer) at the historic sites provide insights into their past. All stops are marked on a city map available at the tourist information office.
Would you like a guide to accompany you on your journey through Garding’s history? Then join a guided tour and learn everything there is to know from a guide who knows the area well!
Narrow, cobblestone alleys lead to the historic market square, where the more than 900-year-old St. Christian’s Church stands. Built in 1109 on the highest point in the Eiderstedt landscape, the church—with its 43-meter-high steeple—is the highest point on the peninsula. For a long time, the steeple served as a navigational marker, as it was visible from far out on the North Sea.
Welcome to the Garding Tourist Information Center! Here, in the historic Altes Spritzenhaus building, you can get tips for your vacation in Garding and find the perfect reading material in the library to help you relax.
Right in the heart of Garding, the city park invites you to linger with its tree trail, bocce court, playground equipment, and numerous benches. Various works by artist Dieter Staacken, such as the “Wandelwald” and the “Rainbow Organ,” can be admired in this green gem.
Or you can enjoy nature at its finest in the city forest. On the forest loop trail, you can stroll across bridges or enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the city forest meadow.
Garding’s City Forest and City Park
Want to get a great workout and have a lot of fun at the same time? In Garding, you can try out the trendy sport of padel tennis! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, padel tennis has something for everyone. The sports and recreation center in Garding has added yet another sport to its lineup.
Nordsee Padel in Garding
Located right next to the Altes Rathaus cultural center, the Atelier im Norden and the Galerie Etage on Friedrichs Street both invite you to experience art in a unique way—and inspire you to explore the diverse gallery and studio scene throughout Eiderstedt!
An absolute must for art and culture enthusiasts vacationing in Eiderstedt: a visit to the Kulturhaus Altes Rathaus! Several times a year, various artists from the KunstKlima group showcase their work there. Through lectures, readings, and guided tours, the Förderverein für Kunst und Kultur Eiderstedt e.V. (Eiderstedt Association for the Promotion of Art and Culture) showcases the artistic facets of the town.
Behind the Altes Rathaus lies the idyllic city park, where you can discover many colorful exhibits during a leisurely stroll. The Heimatbund, the Heimatkundliche AG, the Kinderwerkstatt-Atelier, and Offener Kanal Westküste round out the offerings. The exhibitions on Theodor Mommsen and Knut Kiesewetter round out the experience.
Born in Garding in 1817, Theodor Mommsen became the first German to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1902. At the Kulturhaus, located just a few meters from his birthplace, an exhibition commemorates the life and work of this historically influential historian and writer.
The well-known low german singer-songwriter Knut Kiesewetter spent his childhood and his later years in Garding. In 2012, he received the Order of Merit of the State of Schleswig-Holstein for his contributions to the low german and Frisian languages. You’ll also find an exhibition about him at the Kulturhaus.
Looking for a festival atmosphere with great open-air concerts? You’ll find it in Garding, too! In July and August, it’s all about music: On eight Tuesday evenings, bands and solo artists representing a wide range of genres—from jazz to rock—take the stage at various venues as part of the Musikantenbörse. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is truly special. Here, thousands of visitors celebrate with food, drinks, and plenty of good cheer. Many other events attract visitors of all ages to Garding. Check out our event calendar for all the dates.
At the restaurants in Garding, your taste buds will be treated to culinary delights all year round, and you can enjoy a lively time at the bars with live music.
Work while on vacation, extend your vacation with a “workation,” or stay right here and start a business: At the former VR BANK, the Wirtschaftscampus Eiderstedt offers flexible workspaces and conference areas. Catering is organized through the regional network of restaurants and producers from “Eiderstedt schmeckt.”
Discover the wirtschaftscampus Eiderstedt
Idyllic towns, vast natural landscapes, and unique sights—set out on a journey of discovery and explore the Eiderstedt Peninsula!
Would you like to learn more about SPO and Eiderstedt before your vacation?
