Tönning on Eiderstedt

Harbor Hygge

The word “hygge” comes from Danish and roughly means “making oneself comfortable.” And that is exactly what this picturesque little town on the Eider River, with its tranquil atmosphere, invites you to do. In the old town, pretty gabled houses frame the more than 400-year-old market square, while recreational and sailing boats lie gracefully at anchor in the harbor. As you stroll along the quay wall or sit in one of the cozy restaurants, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a view of the historic warehouse. Peace and tranquility define this restful vacation spot with its cozy holiday apartments and hotels.

Tönning Harbor

The town’s maritime charm immediately captivates you. Ships and boats are moored in the small harbor on the Eider River, underscoring the peace and tranquility of this little fishing town. As small as the harbor is, its reputation as a popular destination and relaxing vacation spot extends far beyond the borders of Eiderstedt.

Harbor Promenade

With a view of the charming Tönning harbor, you can enjoy a hearty plate of plaice or delicious North Sea shrimp at one of the seafood restaurants. Or you can take a seat at one of the many cafés and soak up the maritime atmosphere over coffee and cake.

Restaurants & Cafés

Seafood restaurant on the harbor promenade in Tönning

Shrimp and Fish

Right in the heart of Tönning, you can still find fresh fish—smoked, pickled, plain, or served up in a tasty sandwich to eat on the go. You can’t miss the KFT store—Krabben & Fisch Tönning oHG—located right on the harbor basin. A sign reading “Alte Fischereigenossenschaft” in large letters points the way to the entrance, in front of which a line usually forms.

Fish sandwiches

Delicious fried fish sandwich with remoulade

Flood stakes

At the Tönning harbor, flood markers bear witness to the danger that can come from the North Sea and its storm surges. Examples include the “Groten Mandränken” of 1362 and 1634 and the storm surge of 1962, but even today, water levels rise to immense heights during storm surges.

Storm surges

Flood stakes with flood marks in the Tönning Harbor

Historic Warehouse

The Packhaus, which has been a listed historic building since 1965, is an impressive landmark at the harbor. The enormous dimensions of the former warehouse—77.5 meters long and four stories high—bear witness to its former importance as a western hub connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Tönning Packhouse

The Christmas Event

As the world’s longest Advent calendar, the Packhaus invites you to the Tönning Christmas Event during the Advent and Christmas season. The popular Christmas market enchants visitors every Advent weekend with select booths and a varied program of events. You can find all the details in our event calendar.

Advent and Christmas Season in Eiderstedt

The Tönninger Packhaus as a Giant Advent Calendar

Events at the Packhaus

From concerts and moonlight movie screenings to the popular shrimp-peeling event, numerous events take place around the Packhaus at Tönning Harbor during the summer months. Our event calendar provides an overview of all events.

Event Calendar

Museum of City History

On the first floor of the historic Packhaus, you’ll learn interesting facts about Tönning’s history. From prehistory through the industrialization of the 20th century, various topics are presented and illustrated in different sections of the exhibition.

Tönning City History Museum

Cast off!

Boat Tour

A Round Trip to the North Sea: An eventful excursion aboard the Adler II begins at the Eiderkaje in Tönning. The journey takes you out to the seal rookeries in the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. During the trip, a trawl net is lowered into the water, and depending on the catch, passengers can marvel at crabs, hermit crabs, smelt, plaice, and sea scorpions. Another highlight is passing through "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier).

Excursion Cruises

Relax & Bad

Beach

A vacation in Tönning also means enjoying a swim on a typical North German green and dike beach. The beach has something for every vacationer: a sandy beach area for parents with children, a play and sports area for anyone who wants to stay active, a sunbathing lawn with beach chairs, a beach dune with an adjacent staircase for safe and direct access to the mudflats or water, and, last but not least, a beach pavilion that serves food and drinks.

Tönning Beach

Swimming spots in Eiderstedt

Swimming Fun for All Ages

Outdoor Pool

Tönning offers double the fun at the water: Right next to the beach, on the other side of the dike, is the heated outdoor pool. Whether you’re playing on the water play equipment, doing aqua jogging, joining in on the play afternoons, or diving in the diving area, there’s fun, sports, and games for the whole family here.

Tönning Outdoor Pool

Swimming Fun in Eiderstedt

Vacation in Tönning

Enjoying the cozy harbor atmosphere in a health resort

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A diver in the pool and a child are facing each other

Discover a whole new world

Aquarium Multimar Wattforum

Centrally located in Tönning, the Aquarium Multimar Wattforum National Park Center invites visitors to explore its interactive exhibition, which spans over 4,000 m². It offers unique insights into the fascinating world of the national park region and encourages visitors to explore, experiment, and touch the exhibits on their own. In 37 aquariums—ranging from the shallow mudflats to the deep North Sea—seahorses, cat sharks, hermit crabs, octopuses, and many other curious North Sea inhabitants thrive. The large aquarium is spectacular, with rays and the impressive sturgeon swimming majestically around!

Aquarium Multimar Wattforum

More about nature & the national park

New at Multimar

otter

The Aquarium Multimar Wattforum has added a new highlight: Three otters have moved into their new home in the “Watt. Land. Fluss.” exhibition, which features a spacious outdoor area. During feeding times, these elegant otters emerge from their hiding spots, giving you a great opportunity to observe them.

Wildlife along the North Sea

Tourist Information and Library

Come on in!

Welcome to the Tönning Tourist Information Office! Located right on the market square in the heart of Tönning’s old town, we’re here to provide you with tips and all the important information you need for your vacation. By the way: In the library, you’ll find the perfect reading material for relaxing days by the North Sea. For more information about Tönning, visit the website of the Tönning Tourism and Leisure Association.

Tönning Tourist Information

Interior view of the Tönning Public Library

City Library

View of St. Laurentius Church in Tönning

A charming old town near the harbor

Church on the Market Square

An architectural attraction stands majestically on the market square: St. Laurentius Church, with its Baroque spire, is the landmark of Tönning. From here, you can continue your walk to the market fountain and into the former castle gardens. All that remains of Tönning Castle, which was completely destroyed in 1735, is a miniature replica; however, the lovingly landscaped park invites you to take a break surrounded by greenery.

St. Laurentius Church

Churches in Eiderstedt

A shopping trip through the Tönning weekly market

Browse and discover

A Shopping Trip Through Tönning

Lots of small shops and stores, colorful art galleries, and much more: As you stroll through the Old Town, you can browse at your leisure and discover little treasures. By the way, the fresh weekly market takes place every Monday on the market square.

Shopping in Eiderstedt

Around Tönning

Places to visit and nature as far as the eye can see: Not far from Tönning, the unique natural landscape of the Katinger Watt and the impressive coastal protection structure, "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier), are waiting for you to discover them. Or are you more drawn to the wide sandy beach of St. Peter-Ording? There’s plenty to see on the Eiderstedt Peninsula!