Friedrichskoog is celebrating the almost completion of the new climate dike!

Friedrichskoog is celebrating the almost completion of the new climate dike!

There's a lot going on in Friedrichskoog! The construction work on the new dike is almost complete and the pre-Christmas present is attracting attention. There is still some remaining work to be done in the next few weeks so that everything is ready for visitors in time for the start of the holidays. Except for these small final touches, the new climate dike is ready to offer protection and enjoyment to coastal residents and tourists. NDR reports that the two-kilometer-long construction fence was dismantled shortly before Christmas, which increases the anticipation of the new beach.

The modernization of the dike not only includes urgent reinforcement, but also a new promenade and a sun terrace with spectacular views over the North Sea. Another highlight are two larger containers that are being set up as part of the remaining work: one for the water guard and the other as a “wind and weather shelter” for everyone who is looking for some protection when visiting the North Sea coast. Mayor Bernd Thaden emphasized the necessity of these measures in order to adequately protect coastal residents.

A project with history

Construction work began with the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024, and a lot has happened. The dike reinforcement, which covers a length of approximately 1.9 kilometers, is a significant project that is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2025. With a total cost of around 24 million euros, 90 percent of which is funded, the project is no picnic. It protects an area of ​​around 2,300 hectares, which not only provides living space for people, but also valuable material assets worth over 323 million euros. Coastal Protection Minister Tobias Goldschmidt sees this dike as a necessary guardian angel against rising sea levels and more frequent storms.

How important coastal protection is for the entire region is also reflected in the ecological and economic challenges of the coastal areas. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that these sensitive habitats are of great importance both in terms of jobs and tourism. The maritime industry, including ship and boat building as well as fishing, play a central role here. However, climate change brings additional challenges, such as rising sea levels and more intense rainfall that threaten coastal lowlands.

Attractiveness for tourists

But protection is not the only priority: the municipality of Friedrichskoog also has big plans to improve the dike for tourism purposes. The plan is to widen the Deichkronenweg and create barrier-free access to the mudflats. In addition, the new bathing beach, fully equipped with showers, benches and foot showers, will open in July. Visitors can also look forward to new wooden loungers and benches that will be rebuilt on the seafront. This should further increase the attractiveness of the coastal region.

A construction site tour for anyone interested is scheduled for December 30th at 3 p.m. in the Friedrichskoog dike passage. A good time to experience the progress up close and see how Friedrichskoog continues to develop as a popular destination on the North Sea.

Overall, this undertaking reflects the need to not only protect coastal areas, but also to make them sustainable for future generations. The measures taken are a small but significant step towards a resilient and livable coastal region.