As the St. Peter-Ording and Eiderstedt Peninsula destination, we are certified as a “Sustainable Travel Destination”—in accordance with the highest international standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in collaboration with TourCert. Our goal: to work together with dedicated tourism partners from various sectors to further develop the region as an authentically sustainable vacation destination and to strengthen its long-term sustainability. The “Sustainable Destination” certification serves as a common framework that actively involves both the Local Tourism Organization (LTO) and as many committed tourism partners as possible.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Become part of the "Sustainable Destination"
Since June 2025, our destination has been certified by TourCert as a “Sustainable Travel Destination.” The Eiderstedt Peninsula, including St. Peter-Ording, is a unique natural and cultural area that forms the foundation of our success in tourism. To preserve this valuable habitat for the long term while promoting sustainable tourism development, we rely on a strong network of dedicated partner businesses.
Our Motivation & Goals
Sustainable Travel Destination
An Overview of Our Partner Businesses
In Good Company
Sustainability thrives on collaboration. Our partner businesses demonstrate just how diverse and dedicated sustainable tourism already is in the region—from hotels to restaurants, from tour guides to cultural and recreational offerings. Get inspired, make connections, and become part of a growing network that works together for the region.
Our sheep help maintain the landscape—we ensure sustainable enjoyment. Thanks to our network, what sets us apart becomes clear: regional products raised with care.
News from the Network
What's new?
There's always something happening in our network! Here you'll find the latest news and fresh ideas about our partner companies' commitment to sustainability.
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Stories from the Barn
A Look Inside the Frisian Sheep Cheese Dairy
Want a real glimpse into North Frisian country life? In the Podcast "Deichmomente", Simone takes you to Tetenbüll to visit the Frisian Sheep Cheese Dairy. There, Monika and Redlef Volquardsen talk about their passion for sheep, traditional craftsmanship, and their unique Bioland sheep cheese. Learn more about life on the farm and discover the stories, animals, and people behind the delicious sheep cheese from our region.
Listen to the podcast episode
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Stories from an Old General Store
Visiting Haus Peters
How do guests experience sustainable tourism in the local area? Students in the International Tourism Management program at FH Westküste explored this question as part of a hands-on project at Haus Peters in Tetenbüll. In conversation with museum director Hila, they created a video just under four minutes long that offers insights into sustainable practices and the special atmosphere of this historic house.
Check it out!
Watch the video
The Path to Partnership
Here's how it works
Partner businesses play a crucial role in our “Sustainable Destination” initiative: They are advocates for sustainable tourism development and active ambassadors for the region. Their commitment helps ensure that guests not only enjoy special, authentic experiences but also develop an awareness of our region’s unique ecological and cultural characteristics. Tourism stakeholders can become “Sustainable Destination Partners” in two ways.
Your Benefits
Why participate?
Free Partnership
Visibility Through Joint Marketing Activities
Knowledge transfer and networking combined with practical expertise
Improving Our Own Sustainability Performance
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Benefits for You
The Benefits of the Partnership
- Greater visibility through the consolidated presentation of sustainable offerings and joint marketing activities under the “Sustainable Destination” umbrella.
- Access to a strong network offering knowledge sharing and practical expertise.
- Credibility and trust among environmentally conscious guests through clear communication about sustainability.
- Use of the “Sustainable Destination Partner” logo and an official certificate to enhance public perception.
Become a Partner
Join now!
Would you like to become part of the “Sustainable Destination” partner network?
We appreciate your interest!
We’d be happy to send you all the necessary documents or meet with you in person.
Together, we’ll shape our “Sustainable Destination” on the Eiderstedt Peninsula.
Become a “Sustainable Destination Partner” now
Frequently Asked Questions
Membership in the “Sustainable Destination” partnership is free of charge for tourism businesses in St. Peter-Ording and on the Eiderstedt Peninsula (the area covered by the Local Tourism Organization).
Depending on participation in specific activities within the partner network—such as targeted marketing campaigns, networking events with an excursion component, training sessions, or expert presentations—event-specific financial contributions and participation fees may be charged. These are used exclusively to cover incurred costs and are communicated transparently.
Tourism businesses can become partners in the network either through an existing sustainability or environmental certification or by completing the “TourCert Qualified” self-assessment. In both cases, they must sign our commitment statement.
In addition, we expect all our partners to actively participate and cooperate within the partner network. The partner business serves as a living ambassador for the region and its sustainable development.
The “Sustainable Destination Partner” network is designed to offer participating businesses a wide range of opportunities for further development, exchange, and shared visibility. To this end, the following measures are planned:
- Marketing activities that specifically highlight sustainable partner businesses.
- Network meetings in the form of excursions that provide insights into best practices, regional projects, and other partner businesses.
- Expert presentations, training sessions, and workshops on sustainability topics.
- Exchange forums to jointly develop ideas and learn from one another.
More Information About Sustainable Destinations
Background & Insights
We view sustainability not as a static state, but as a continuous improvement process. In this section, you’ll find more information about the certification process, TourCert, and the grants that have supported the path to certification.
Since June 2025, the destination of St. Peter-Ording and the Eiderstedt Peninsula have been officially certified as a “Sustainable Travel Destination.” This certification from TourCert confirms our commitment to holistic sustainable development in tourism.
The certification is valid through June 2028 and provides a framework for continuous improvement and clear sustainability goals. This will be followed by the recertification process, which ensures that we stay on the right track.
We are proud of this recognition—and at the same time view it as a responsibility to continue on this path together and with conviction, alongside our dedicated partners. “Sustainable Travel Destination” Certificate “TourCert-Certified Travel Destination” Certificate
TourCert is an experienced and internationally recognized company that supports destinations on their path toward greater sustainability. As Germany’s first certification process for entire tourism regions, TourCert offers not only clear standards but also in-depth expertise that supports us as a destination in our sustainable development efforts.
The certification process to earn the “Sustainable Destination” designation was supported by AktivRegion Südliches Nordfriesland and the Climate Alliance of the Nordfriesland District. We are very grateful for this support, which paved the way for us to become a “Sustainable Travel Destination” and provided an important impetus for embedding sustainability into the fabric of our destination.
We are a member of the “Sustainable Destinations” Excellence Initiative—a network of forward-thinking destinations that are working together to promote greater sustainability in tourism and learn from one another.
Information about the Excellence Initiative
With a Commitment to the Eiderstedt Peninsula
Our Sustainability Council
With the goal of promoting sustainable tourism development, the Sustainability Council for our destination was established in November 2024 as part of the “Sustainable Destination” certification process. The Council is composed of representatives from a wide variety of stakeholder groups who collectively represent the three dimensions of sustainable development and serve in an advisory capacity on issues related to the destination’s sustainable development.
The Sustainability Council supports the ongoing, sustainable development of tourism, provides recommendations on environmental, social, and economic issues, assists with the planning and implementation of projects and marketing initiatives, and promotes collaboration among partner businesses.
The Sustainability Council brings together diverse perspectives—and that is precisely where its strength lies. At regular meetings, members contribute practical knowledge, technical expertise, and experience from their respective fields.
Nele Göttsche (Sustainability & Nature Experiences Unit, Tourismus-Zentrale St. Peter-Ording), Katharina Siemens (Local Tourism Organization St. Peter-Ording / Eiderstedt Peninsula Unit), Sabine Müller (Friedrichstadt Tourism), and Laura Ehlers (Tönning Tourism and Leisure Enterprises). This perspective is complemented by practical insights from the lodging sector provided by Marie Krause (Urban Nature) and Karsten Gläser (Haus Tide). Hila Küpper (Haus Peters Historic General Store) and Stephan Bünsow (Ein Garten für die Sinne e.V.) provide impetus for cultural identity and regional cooperation. Betina Breucha (Eiderstedt Municipal Office, Regional Development) contributes the strategic perspective on regional development. Expertise on nature and climate conservation, biodiversity, and protected areas is provided by Imme Flegel (Wadden Sea Conservation Station St. Peter-Ording) and Martin Rimmler (Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Administration). Redlef Volquardsen (Friesische Schafskäserei) adds perspectives from agriculture and resource-efficient production. In addition, Cornelia Bothe (St. Peter-Ording Fairtrade Steering Group) and André Eggert (Eiderstedt Coffee Roastery) provide impetus for fair and direct trade—and thus for responsible value creation and conscious consumption.
All members are united by their commitment to sustainable tourism development—driven by the interplay of the natural environment, local quality of life, and responsible tourism, which creates added value for both visitors and the region alike.
“I’m involved with the Sustainability Council because I care deeply about the future of our children and grandchildren. I want to encourage people to engage with sustainability and discover their own scope for action. Even if financial constraints play a role, it’s about making conscious decisions and making the best of it, step by step, in everyday life.” André Eggert, Eiderstedt Coffee Roastery
“I’m committed to sustainability because it combines quality of life, climate protection, and economic future. I’m involved in the Sustainability Council to promote local solutions, engage residents, and thereby shape the Eiderstedt Peninsula responsibly for future generations. So that it remains a landscape worth living in.” Betina Breucha, Eiderstedt Municipal Office “I want to work to ensure that Eiderstedt remains a place of well-being for people, animals, and the environment—
that we preserve it and develop it gently. At Haus Peters, we strive to carry the natural sustainability of the past into the future and to get by with less plastic, waste, and energy.” Hila Küpper, Haus Peters
“At Tönning Tourism and Leisure Enterprises, I’m responsible, among other things, for sustainability. With my degree in tourism, specializing in sustainability, I combine expertise with commitment. I want to motivate partners to showcase their sustainable ideas and work together to shape a future-proof tourism industry.” Laura Ehlers, Tönning Tourism and Leisure
Services “For over 20 years, my wife and I have been running a Bioland-certified sheep cheese dairy in the heart of Eiderstedt. From the very beginning, living and doing business sustainably has been a personal priority for us. To share this philosophy with others, we’ve opened our farm to interested visitors through regular guided tours. As a member of the Sustainability Council, I’m committed to strengthening the region and promoting more mindful travel.
“Sustainability has consistently played a major role throughout my professional career. I’m very pleased that it’s now becoming an important issue in Friedrichstadt as well, as part of the LTO collaboration. The collegial exchange with dedicated businesses on the Sustainability Council inspires and motivates me in my daily work.” Sabine Müller, Friedrichstadt Tourism
“As coordinator of the partner network for the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, promoting nature-conservation-oriented and sustainable tourism there is one of my core responsibilities. On the Sustainability Council, I serve as a liaison to the National Park Partnership and advocate for the National Park’s goals, particularly its most important one: ‘Let nature be nature.’ I welcome all activities that serve to protect the Wadden Sea and promote sustainability in the region. The more people who get involved, the better!” Martin Rimmler, National Park Administration
Questions or interested?
Would you like to become a partner, or do you have questions about certification as a “Sustainable Travel Destination”?
Nele Göttsche and Katharina Siemens are happy to help!
Coordination of the Partner Network
Your Contacts
Sustainable Tourism and Nature Experiences Division
Nele Göttsche
Tourism
At the Tourism Office, I’m responsible for sustainability and nature experiences. In this role, I work closely with the municipality and the national park administration.
What I’m particularly good at: Bringing together different interests within my areas of focus, with the goal of finding a common solution for everyone involved—“Let’s think in terms of solutions, not problems.”
Favorite quote: “The secret of getting ahead is to take the first step.” (Mark Twain)
Local Tourism Organization Administrative Office
Katharina Siemens
Tourism
As the point of contact for the Local Tourism Organization (LTO) St. Peter-Ording / Eiderstedt Peninsula—a tourism cooperation group consisting of 17 member municipalities—I am responsible for marketing and further developing the diverse range of tourism offerings on the Eiderstedt Peninsula.
I’m particularly good at fostering harmony, inspiring people’s enthusiasm for Eiderstedt, and bringing people together on Eiderstedt.
Motto: If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with others.
Sustainability
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Business-Portal
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