Bewick’s Swan Days in the Eider–Treene–Sorge Region
*** Next event: 27.02. – 01.03.2026 ***
Especially in late February and early March, Schleswig-Holstein offers a breathtaking spectacle when hundreds of Bewick’s Swans gather on grasslands to feed or on roosting waters to rest. Around half of the Northwest European wintering population can be observed in Schleswig-Holstein alone. With approximately 4,000 overwintering individuals, the Eider–Treene–Sorge Region (ETS) plays a particularly important role as a wintering area.
Since 2008, the local association Kuno e.V., together with the Integrated Station Eider–Treene–Sorge and NABU, has organised the so-called “Bewick’s Swan Days” – in some years also in cooperation with the Meggerdorf Nature Conservation Association and the municipality of Meggerdorf.
The event includes lectures and tractor rides with wagons to the Bewick’s Swans’ feeding sites. Binoculars and powerful spotting scopes offer a special opportunity to observe these winter guests up close. The day concludes with a shared observation of the swans’ arrival at their roosting waters at dusk.
Dates and detailed programmes are announced on our homepage under “News” as well as on the website of Kuno e.V.
Bewick’s Swan Field Trip in the Emsland Region
*** Next event: 11.01.2026 ***
Within the framework of the project, efforts were made to establish the concept of Bewick’s Swan Days in the second major wintering area as well. Up to 4,000 Bewick’s Swans can also be observed each winter in the Emsland region, though the peak of migration occurs considerably earlier in the year.
Therefore, similar events are more suitable here in December or early January. Due to the large spatial distances and the difficulty of predicting which areas will be used by the birds on the planned date, an excursion by coach has proven most effective for this region. During the journey to the feeding areas, information can be provided, and on site there are many opportunities to experience nature at its best.
Bewick’s Swans for Kids
Wagon tours in the ETS can also be booked for school classes and kindergarden groups, starting from Bergenhusen or Meggerdorf. The programme includes a wagon ride (about 60–90 minutes) to the feeding areas and the opportunity for on-site observation (including binoculars and spotting scopes). During the trip, children are given age-appropriate information about our three native swan species.
If you are interested, feel free to email us at info@zwergschwan.de
