The Este, once an important trade route for transporting oxen and Hanseatic trade, is now a hidden gem for stand-up paddlers. The 9.5 km long waterway south of Hamburg offers a unique blend of nature and history. The tour starts in the old Hanseatic harbour of Buxtehude and leads through the picturesque Alte Land to the Hintze restaurant in Jork. Along the way, the Este transforms from a leisurely heath river into a challenging tidal river, characterised by ebb and flow. SUP guide Nele Siebenknecht from Klaeriti presents the Tour as an attractively prepared PDF ready for download.
Tidal changes and currents on the Este
The Este is a tidal river with ebb, flow and tidal currents. The flow speed can reach up to 6 km/h, which is a real challenge for stand-up paddlers. Particularly important: The tour should only be started at high tide with the water running out. At low tide, the Este is only 50 cm deep in places, which makes paddling impossible. The tide change therefore determines when you can paddle here.
Este: Tour itinerary and highlights
The SUP tour starts in Buxtehude harbour and takes you out of the city into the Alte Land at high tide as the water recedes. You paddle past idyllic orchards, dense reeds and gardens that reach right up to the shore. After around 5 km, you reach the swing bridge in Estebrügge, which has a clearance height of 1.90 metres at medium high water. This is also the start of a 500 metre long narrow section with a high current speed. The end of the tour is the Hintze restaurant in Jork, where after 2.5 hours of paddling you can relax under fruit trees with a view of the Este.
Safety and preparation
SUPing on the Este is not a beginner's sport. The combination of changing tides, currents and a lack of public exits requires good preparation and experience. The minimum requirements are safe swimming, mastery of SUP basics, 20 hours of paddling experience and perfect equipment. The principle "If in doubt - stay out" applies here in particular. Be sure to check the tide calendar for Buxtehude before the tour and plan your start time accordingly.
Este etiquette and nature conservation
Some important rules apply on the Este: The Tide-Este nature reserve between kilometres 1 and 3 may be crossed, but not entered. From Buxtehude harbour onwards, the Este is a federal waterway and the maritime shipping route regulations apply. Respect nature and take your rubbish back with you. If there is a threat of storms or thunderstorms, you should postpone the tour.
Practical information:
Tour details
- Start: Buxtehude harbour
- Target: Restaurant Hintze, Jork
- Length: 9.5 km
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
- Degree of difficulty: Advanced
Directions & Parking
- Approach: Via B3 and B73 in the direction of Stade/Cuxhaven
- Car parks:
- P Altstadt-West (free of charge)
- P At the harbour (partly free of charge)
Entry point
- Address: DECK 2, harbour bridge 1, 21614 Buxtehude
- Details: Access via slipway ES 310 next to the painting school
- Carrying distance: From car parks approx. 200 m
Exit point
- Address: Restaurant Hintze, Lesswig 106, 21635 Jork
- Details: Rustic jetty with steps, requires skill to get out
Packing list
- Board + fin(s)
- Paddle
- Pump
- Waist leash with quick release
- Restube or waistcoat
- Dry Bag
- Swimsuit
- Shorts or tight
- Lycra or T-shirt
- Cap or sun hat
- Neoprene shoes (optional)
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Insect protection
- Food and drink
- Mobile phone
- Credit card and cash
- Mini first aid kit
- Small towel
