I spent the 2023 Easter holidays with my family in Husum.

We rented a lovely flat in the pedestrianised area of Husum. We liked Husum very much, the cityscape is beautiful and well-kept. The town has a large number of restaurants, and I have fond memories of the MS Nordertor ship restaurant, Dragseth’s Gasthof and the Ratskeller. Shopping is also very good. There are lots of small shops, and we spent several hours in the CJ Schmidt fashion store.

I regularly visited the Arlau lock at sunrise. It is located approx. 13 kilometres north of Husum. There is a car park at the lock. From there you can walk over the dyke into the nature reserve. There is a birdwatching hut there, which is very popular. I left it on my left (or rather right) and took a small path north of Holmer See to a suitable spot. On the way you are accompanied by the call of the bittern. I didn’t see them. I waited patiently on my walkstool (three-legged stool). From there I was able to watch marsh harriers and sea eagles hunting. The bluethroats and bearded tits became more trusting every day, so I was able to take some nice photos despite the poor light conditions.

The best way to get to Hamburger Hallig is by bike. If you are travelling by car, it is best to leave it in the car park in front of the Amsinck House. You can hire simple and inexpensive bicycles there. The route to the Hallig is easy to cycle. It leads through wet meadows with many bird-watching opportunities. Halfway to the end of the Hallig is a beautiful Nabu station. There you can find out where which birds can be observed. There are several spotting scopes set up. Amongst others, avocets and oystercatchers could be seen there. At the edge of the Nabu station, I spotted a curious goldcrest. I waited cross-legged, not at all shy, it slowly came closer and closer and allowed itself to be photographed in peace. As I continued my journey, a sea eagle flew over me at a photo-friendly height. I jumped off my bike, quickly opened my photo backpack and was able to catch the eagle from the side.

Once you arrive on the Hallig, you can eat great cakes and hearty food in the „Hallig Krog“. In good weather you can sit outside, otherwise the cosy restaurant is a great place to sit. Many water birds can be observed around the Hallig Krog.