Stade Kohl Day

Dithmarschen Cabbage Weeks — Europe's High Ground for Cabbage Cultivation

Dithmarschen is the largest contiguous cabbage-growing region in Europe. Millions of heads of white cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and other cabbage varieties are grown annually on the fertile marsh soils between the Elbe estuary and the North Sea. The Dithmarschen Cabbage Weeks in September celebrate this harvest tradition with markets, cabbage dishes, and events. The Stade Kohl Day is an external station of this tradition.

Freighter 'Frieda' — Historic Cargo Ship

The 'Frieda' is a historic freighter — a traditional flat-bottomed boat type that was the transport of choice on North German waterways for centuries. With its shallow draft, these boats could enter shallow harbours and land goods directly. Today, the 'Frieda' is operated as a traditional and meeting ship.

Landing in the Town Harbour

The arrival of the 'Frieda' in Stade town harbour is the central event of the Kohl Day. As the ship docks, visitors gather on the quay. The cargo is unloaded, presented, and then sold directly from the ship. This direct marketing without intermediaries recalls the harbour's historical function as a transhipment point.

Harbour Festival with Hanseatic Atmosphere

Beyond the cabbage landing, a harbour festival atmosphere develops at the town harbour. Stalls with regional products, catering with cabbage specialities — sauerkraut, kale with Kassler, stuffed cabbage rolls — live music, and maritime folklore complement the day. The historic town harbour with its old warehouse buildings and its connection to the Schwinge river provides an authentic backdrop.

Stade's Identity as a Hanseatic City

The Kohl Day strengthens Stade's identity as a Hanseatic city with vibrant maritime traditions. It is also a tourist highlight that draws visitors from the Hamburg region and the Altes Land to the Hanseatic city. Stade's tourism stakeholders deliberately cultivate the Kohl Day as a signature event.