Freiburg (Elbe)
Freiburg an der Elbe · Freiburger Hafenpriel · Freiburg tidal creek
53°49.7'N 09°16.9'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m at HW — the creek is sheltered and the mud is soft; the boat may take the ground gently at LW. Not suitable for fin-keel yachts unless willing to take the ground. Bilge-keelers can dry out comfortably in the mud.
About This Anchorage
Freiburg an der Elbe is a tiny Elbe village known for its tidal creek anchorage — the Hafenpriel — and its medieval church of St. Nikolai (1260s). The creek is a classic example of North German Wattenmeer tidal navigation: it dries completely at low water, leaving boats resting in soft mud. This style of tidal creek anchorage (Prielhafen) was once common throughout the lower Elbe — Freiburg is one of the few remaining examples accessible to small craft. The medieval church, half-timbered village houses, and the extraordinary silence at low tide (when the creek becomes a mudscape stretching to the Elbe main channel) make this a uniquely atmospheric stop. Suitable for bilge-keel or shoal-draft yachts only.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (tidal creek); small harbour fee at village pontoon approx €8–12/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: TIDAL CREEK — dries at LW; bilge keels or lifting keels only (fin-keel boats will need to take the ground); entry/exit HW ±2h only; tidal range 3.2m.
Hazards
- !DRIES AT LW — tidal creek; fin-keel yachts will go aground if they miss the tide; bilge-keel or shoal-draft only unless willing to take the ground in mud
- !Entry/exit window: HW ±2h only — tidal range 3.2m
- !Strong ebb current at the Elbe mouth of the creek — approach on the flood
Skipper's Tips
- →For bilge-keel owners, drying out in the Freiburg creek at LW is one of the most peaceful experiences on the entire lower Elbe — the silence is extraordinary
- →Time arrival at HW-1h — enter the creek, anchor or moor, watch the tide fall. At LW, walk the mudflats to the Elbe edge.
- →Carry your own provisions — Freiburg has minimal facilities; stock up at Glückstadt or Brunsbüttel
Facilities
Freiburg village has a gasthaus (seasonal). Provisions from Glückstadt (12nm) or Brunsbüttel (15nm).
Nearest provisions: Glückstadt (12nm) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. A specialist destination for tidal creek enthusiasts and bilge-keel yachts. Not suitable for fin-keel boats.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
On the tidal Elbe with 3–4kt currents and hundreds of ships daily, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS