Heverbunder Erntefest Osterhever

The Heverbund — three communities, one association

The Heverbund is an association of the three small Eiderstedt marsh communities of Osterhever, Westerhever, and Poppenbüll. The three villages are located north of the Eiderstedt peninsula between St. Peter-Ording and Tönning, nestled in the typical Eiderstedt marsh landscape with terpen, sheep dykes, and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site as neighbours. For years, the associations of the three communities have jointly organised the Heverbunder Erntefest — one of the most important community events in the Heverbund.

Thanksgiving on the North Sea coast

The Erntedankfest traditionally takes place at the end of the harvest season — usually on the last weekend of September. It combines the old agricultural tradition of Thanksgiving with the village's need for social interaction. The programme and schedule vary slightly from year to year, but the core remains constant: welcome, communal meal, dance music (often with local bands or DJs), small performances by village associations, and plenty of time for socialising.

On the Eiderstedt peninsula

Eiderstedt is one of the most characteristic marsh landscapes in Schleswig-Holstein. On the Halligen and terpen, thatched houses, vast fields, sheep, and the Westerhever lighthouse — one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern Germany — define the region. Visitors to the Heverbunder Erntefest often combine it with a walk in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park or a trip to the Westerhever lighthouse.

In the district of Nordfriesland

The three Heverbund communities are located in the district of Nordfriesland and belong to the Eiderstedt office. Osterhever can be reached in a few minutes by car via the L33 from St. Peter-Ording or Tönning. Despite the small population of the communities, the Erntedankfest attracts guests from the surrounding area every year who want to experience authentic Eiderstedt village life.