Itzehoe (EDHF Airport)

Itzehoe Airport, known by the intriguing name "Hungriger Wolf" (Hungry Wolf), offers travellers a completely different experience compared to bustling international hubs. This small airfield, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, serves as a centre of attraction for general aviation enthusiasts, skydiving, and gliding. An atmosphere of tranquillity and the romance of flight reigns here, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Northern Germany from a bird's-eye view, far from the hustle and bustle of large terminals.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The "Hungriger Wolf" airfield is not just a transport hub, but a true historical landmark. Previously used as a military base, today it has transformed into a cosy centre for civil aviation, surrounded by forests and fields.

A key feature is its status as a mecca for glider pilots. Thanks to favourable winds and open spaces, one can often see gliders silently soaring here. For visitors, this is an excellent opportunity not only to observe flights but also to take to the skies in a small aircraft or even experience a parachute jump.

The airfield grounds are also known as a venue for cultural events. Open-air music festivals and meetings for vintage car enthusiasts are regularly held here, making a trip here interesting even for those who do not plan to fly anywhere.

• Official Airport Website: www.edhf.de
• Information Service Phone: +49 4826 5065 (Flight Control / Flugleitung)
• Airport Address: Heeresfliegerstraße 16, 25551 Hohenlockstedt, Germany
• Email: flugleitung@edhf.de
• Airport Social Media: News and event announcements are often published on the "Flugplatz Itzehoe - Hungriger Wolf" Facebook page.
• Lost and Found Information: As the airfield serves private aviation, there is no centralised lost luggage service. If you have left items on the premises, please contact the dispatcher in the control building.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all enquiries, you can contact the airfield administration by phone or in person at the flight control office.

Since Itzehoe Airport ("Hungriger Wolf") is located in the municipality of Hohenlockstedt, approximately 11 kilometres northeast of the centre of Itzehoe city itself, logistics have their own specifics. There are no airport express trains, and access is primarily by car or a "train plus bus" combination.

By Car and Car Rental

Travelling by car is the most convenient way to reach the airfield. The journey from the centre of Itzehoe takes about 15–20 minutes. The main route follows the federal highway B77 in the direction of Schleswig/Hohenlockstedt (Rendsburg). Follow the signs for Flugplatz Hungriger Wolf.

Car rental offices (Sixt, Europcar, etc.) are located directly in the city of Itzehoe, in the area of the railway station. It is not possible to rent a car directly at the airfield, so transport should be arranged in advance.

Parking

Unlike large international hubs, parking here is generally free and spacious. Parking spaces are located in the immediate vicinity of the control tower and the event area. This makes visiting the airfield by private transport as comfortable as possible.

Public Transport (Train + Bus)

There is no direct rail connection to the airfield. The travel scheme is as follows:

• Train: First, you need to reach Itzehoe Railway Station (Bahnhof Itzehoe), which is well connected by regional trains to Hamburg and Sylt.
• Bus: Buses run from Itzehoe station towards Hohenlockstedt. The main route is line 6160. You need to get off at the stop nearest to the former barracks or the airfield (for example, the stop Hohenlockstedt, Finnische Allee or Lola), and then walk for about 10–15 minutes to the entrance of the territory.

The cost of the bus fare is approximately 3–5 Euros, but the frequency of trips may vary, especially on weekends. It is recommended to check the schedule via the Deutsche Bahn application (DB Navigator).

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is a reliable option if you do not want to depend on bus schedules. A car can be found at the rank by Itzehoe station or called by phone.

• Travel time: about 15 minutes from the station.
• Cost: approximately 25–35 Euros one way.

Alternative Airports for International Flights

Since Itzehoe accepts only private small aviation, tourists planning a visit to this region from abroad usually fly into large neighbouring hubs. The nearest and most convenient option is Hamburg Airport, located less than 50 km away. From there, you can reach Itzehoe by train or rental car in less than an hour.

Also, for travel to this part of Germany, you can consider Bremen Airport or Hanover Airport, however, the journey from them will take significantly more time.

Since Itzehoe Airport ("Hungriger Wolf") is a general aviation facility (Sonderlandeplatz), its structure differs radically from familiar international airports. Here you will not find multi-storey terminals, confusing walkways, or duty-free shopping zones. Everything is arranged as compactly, functionally, and comfortably as possible, which corresponds to the atmosphere of an aviation club.

Number of Terminals and Complex Layout

In fact, Itzehoe operates with one main administrative building, acting as the sole "terminal". This structure houses the control tower (Flugleitung), airfield administration offices, and pilot briefing rooms.

The entire airfield complex can be roughly divided into three zones:

• Administrative Zone: The flight control building where all organisational matters are handled.
• Hangar Zone: A row of hangars where private planes, gliders, and flying club equipment are stored.
• Leisure Zone: The area with the cafe and viewing platforms, accessible to all visitors, including those not planning a flight.

Departure, Arrival, and Transit Zones

The concepts of "departure zone" and "arrival zone" are nominal here. Itzehoe lacks jet bridges and shuttle buses.

• Departure: Passengers and pilots pass through the administrative building or side gates directly onto the apron to the aircraft. The entire path from the car park to the plane takes a couple of minutes.
• Arrival: After landing, the aircraft taxis to the parking area in front of the main building or hangars. Passengers simply disembark onto the ground and walk to the exit or the cafe.
• Transit: As there is only one terminal, there is no need for transit or transfers. Navigation is intuitive: all main facilities are within direct line of sight.

Check-in and Pre-flight Security

One of the main features of flying from Itzehoe is the absence of the bureaucracy typical of large aviation hubs.

• Check-in: If you have booked a sightseeing flight or a parachute jump, "check-in" usually consists of meeting your pilot or instructor at a designated place (most often by the control building or in the cafe).
• Security Check: There are no classic metal detector frames or luggage scanners here. However, the pilot is responsible for safety, so they may ask to inspect your belongings before boarding a light aircraft.
• Time: You do not need to arrive 2–3 hours early. Usually, it is sufficient to arrive 15–30 minutes before the scheduled departure to meet the pilot and undergo a brief safety briefing.

Recommendations for Navigation and Safety

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, the airfield remains a high-risk zone due to moving propellers and taxiing aircraft.

• Follow signs: Move only on paths designated for pedestrians. Entering the runway without the accompaniment of staff or a pilot is strictly prohibited.
• Landmark — The Tower: If you are lost or do not know where to go, orient yourself by the control tower — it is the centre of airfield life where you will always be shown the way.
• Observation: The best place for waiting or relaxing is the local restaurant or bistro (usually with an outdoor terrace), which offers a panoramic view of the airfield.

The history of Itzehoe airfield, bearing the memorable name "Hungriger Wolf" (Hungry Wolf), is much richer and more serious than it might seem at first glance when seeing peacefully soaring gliders. This facility has gone from a strategic military base of the Cold War era to a cosy centre for civil aviation and a venue for cultural events.

Inception and Military Era

The history of the airfield began in the late 1950s. During the period of re-establishment of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), a need arose for new bases for army aviation. Construction of infrastructure in the municipality of Hohenlockstedt started in 1958, and the official year of active operation is considered to be 1961, when an army aviation battalion was relocated here.

For more than 40 years, the airfield was a closed military facility. It served as the home for the 6th Army Aviation Regiment (Heeresfliegerregiment 6). The sky over Itzehoe in those years echoed with the hum of military helicopters, particularly the famous Bell UH-1D, which became a symbol of this base.

Heroic Pages of History

One of the most significant events in the airfield's chronicle was the participation of pilots based here in the rescue operation during the catastrophic Hamburg flood of 1962. Helicopters from "Hungriger Wolf" played a key role in evacuating people and delivering supplies to flooded areas, forever inscribing the name of the regiment and the airfield in the history of the region as an example of courage and aid to the civilian population.

End of Military Service and Transformation

A turning point came at the beginning of the 21st century. As part of the restructuring of the Bundeswehr, a decision was made to disband the regiment and close the military base. In 2004, the last military helicopters left the airfield, and the facility was handed over to civilian authorities.

This period was a time of uncertainty, but also of new opportunities. To preserve the unique infrastructure, the company Flugplatz Hungriger Wolf GmbH & Co. KG was created. A large-scale conversion began: military barracks and hangars were refitted for the needs of civil aviation, industry, and warehousing.

Modern Stage and Reconstruction

Since the mid-2000s, the airfield has been developing as a "Special Airfield" (Sonderlandeplatz). Significant architectural reconstruction of terminals was not carried out, as the main task was preserving the airfield and adapting existing buildings. However, modernisation of the runway and navigation equipment was conducted to meet civil flight safety standards.

Today, the territory around the airfield has turned into a kind of industrial and leisure park, where aviation coexists with ecological projects and event venues.

Interesting Facts

• Mystery of the Name: The name "Hungriger Wolf" is not related to dangerous animals on the runway. It is inherited from the name of an ancient settlement and a tavern that was located in this area back in the 19th century.
• Music Instead of Turbines: After the military left, the vast territory of the airfield became a popular venue for open-air events. In various years, large music festivals gathering thousands of spectators were held here, which would have been unthinkable during the years of strict military regime.
• Cinematic Appeal: Thanks to authentic mid-century buildings and open spaces, the airfield locations periodically attract the attention of photographers and filmmakers looking for a retro-aviation atmosphere.

Given Itzehoe Airport's ("Hungriger Wolf") status as a small airfield for private and sports aviation, passengers should not expect infrastructure here typical of large international hubs. There are no huge duty-free zones or chain coffee shops. However, it is precisely this intimacy and cosiness that create a special atmosphere here, where every guest is welcomed like an old friend.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

The main point of attraction for hungry pilots and tourists is the local bistro-restaurant, located directly on the airfield grounds. This establishment with an open terrace offers not only hearty German cuisine, coffee, and homemade pastries but also a magnificent panoramic view of the runway. It is the ideal place to comfortably watch gliders taking off and landing.

There are no full-fledged shops or Duty-Free zones in Itzehoe. Purchasing essential goods or souvenirs here is generally not possible, so it is recommended to stock up on everything necessary in the city beforehand.

Lounges and VIP Services

Itzehoe Airport lacks the classic division into economy and business classes, so there are no separate VIP lounges (Business Lounges) with membership access. The entire airfield is essentially one big VIP zone: it is quiet, with no queues or hustle. Waiting for a flight usually takes place in a relaxed atmosphere in the cafe or in the lobby of the administrative building, where you can chat personally with pilots.

Wi-Fi, Connectivity, and Device Charging

• Internet: Public Wi-Fi is usually available in the restaurant area and the administrative block. Connection speed is sufficient for checking email or messengers but is not designed for downloading heavy files.
• Charging: There are no specialised charging stations with sockets here, but cafe or administration staff usually do not refuse a request to charge a phone from a regular outlet if you have an adapter with you.

Banks and Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points on the airfield territory. Many services on-site (for example, in the cafe) may require cash payment. The nearest bank branches and ATMs (Sparkasse, Volksbank) are located in the village of Hohenlockstedt, approximately 2–3 kilometres from the airfield.

Medical Services and Accessibility

• Medical: A full-fledged medical centre is absent. First aid kits are available in the flight control building, and staff are trained in basic aid skills. In case of serious problems, an ambulance arrives from the nearest clinic in Itzehoe within 10–15 minutes.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The single-storey layout of the airfield makes it quite convenient for wheelchair movement (no stairs or lifts). However, boarding small aircraft (Cessna, Piper, etc.) can be difficult and requires prior coordination with the pilot or carrier for physical assistance.

Services for Passengers with Children

Although there are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or playrooms here, the airfield is very popular with families. Children watch planes with delight from close range. The spacious green territory allows for walks, but it is important for parents to watch their children carefully and not allow them onto the taxiways.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the "Hungriger Wolf" territory. Travellers are offered accommodation in the surrounding area:

• Hohenlockstedt: In the nearest village, there are several cosy guesthouses (Gasthof) with traditional German charm.
• Itzehoe: The city (15-20 minutes drive) offers a wider choice of accommodation, from chain hotels to private apartments.

Conference Rooms and Business Centres

There are no specialised business centres with office equipment here. However, for events, seminars, or corporate meetings, hangars or restaurant premises are often used, which can be rented by prior arrangement with the administration. The unique aviation atmosphere makes such meetings particularly memorable.

The gastronomic map of Itzehoe Airport ("Hungriger Wolf") is as unique as the airfield itself. Here you will not find the usual chain coffee shops, fast food, or extensive food courts typical of international terminals. Dining here is part of the cosy club atmosphere, where food is accompanied by lively conversation and flight observation.

Main Establishment: Airfield Restaurant-Bistro

The centre of attraction for pilots, passengers, and guests from surrounding towns is the local bistro (Flugplatz-Gaststätte). It is located in the main administrative building, in the public access zone (Landside). This means anyone can visit it, even without a plane ticket.

• Atmosphere and Location: The main "feature" of the establishment is the spacious open terrace with a direct view of the airfield. This is the best place to watch gliders take off or private planes come in for a landing over a cup of coffee. The interior is usually designed in a simple but cosy style, reminiscent of a club wardroom.
• Menu and Signature Dishes: The cuisine here is focused on hearty, classic German dishes ("Gutbürgerliche Küche").
  • What to try: Be sure to order Currywurst (fried sausage with curry sauce) or a traditional Schnitzel with potato salad.
  • Sweets: In the afternoon, magnificent homemade pastries are served here. Fresh pies (Kuchen) and cakes with a cup of hot coffee are a local tradition that should not be missed.

Dietary Options (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Since the bistro kitchen is small, the choice for people with special dietary needs may be limited.

• Vegetarian: The menu generally includes French fries, salads, cheese platters, or meat-free pastries.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: Specialised dishes may not be available. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or stick to simple snacks (salad, fruit). If you follow a strict diet, it is better to bring a snack with you.
• Halal: Certified Halal meat is rarely found on the menu of small German airfields. It is advisable to choose vegetarian or fish options if they are available.

Prices and Payment

The pricing policy at "Hungriger Wolf" is quite democratic and corresponds to the average level of cafes in the German countryside.

• Average Bill: A full lunch with a beverage will cost approximately 15–20 Euros per person. Coffee with dessert will cost about 7–10 Euros.
• Important: In such small establishments, card terminals may not always work or may only accept local EC-Karte cards. It is strongly recommended to carry cash Euros.

Opening Hours

The restaurant's schedule is closely linked to flight activity and the season.
Usually, the establishment is open on weekends and public holidays from 10:00-11:00 until sunset, when there are the most people at the airfield. On weekdays during the winter season, the bistro may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule. Before travelling, it is better to check the current opening hours on the airfield's social media page or by phone.

Recommendations for Passengers

• Quick Snack: If you have little time before departure, order a portion of French fries or a sandwich — they will be prepared quite quickly.
• Full Lunch: If you are not in a hurry, settle down on the terrace, order a hot meal, and enjoy the romance of general aviation.
• Alternatives: If the restaurant at the airfield is closed, the nearest cafes, bakeries, and supermarkets are located in the village of Hohenlockstedt (about 2-3 km, 5 minutes by car). There, the choice of groceries and ready-made food is significantly wider.

Travelling through Itzehoe Airport ("Hungriger Wolf") is a unique experience, radically different from flying through large international airports. There are no endless queues or strict regulations here, but there are nuances, knowledge of which will make your trip as comfortable as possible. Since the airfield serves private aviation, charter flights, and glider pilots, the rules here are dictated by the safety of flights on small vessels and common sense.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours early". In Itzehoe, this will only lead to a long wait.

• For Sightseeing Flights and Charters: It is sufficient to arrive 20–30 minutes before the appointed departure time. This is enough to meet the pilot, discuss the route, and undergo a safety briefing.
• For Events: If you are going to a festival or air show, consider possible traffic jams at the entrance and arrive a little before the start of the programme to find a convenient parking space.

Check-in and Security Control

At "Hungriger Wolf", there are no check-in counters or metal detector frames in the usual sense.

• Personal Approach: The role of "check-in" is performed by a personal meeting with the aircraft commander.
• Inspection: The pilot bears full responsibility for safety on board. They may ask you to show the contents of bags and clarify the presence of dangerous items (gas sprays, sharp objects). Please treat this with understanding.
• Important Point: You may be asked to step on scales. For small aviation, the exact weight of passengers and luggage is critically important for calculating the aircraft's balance. Do not be embarrassed — this is a matter of your safety.

Choosing a Seat in the Plane

In small planes (Cessna, Piper) or gliders, seat numbering is absent.

• Weight Distribution: Often seats are allocated by the pilot based on passenger weight to balance the vessel.
• Best View: If the balance allows, ask for a seat next to the pilot (on the right in the front row). From there, the best view opens up not only of the landscapes but also of the instrument panel, which adds to the impressions.
• Photography: If you plan to take many photos, tell the pilot in advance — they may seat you by a window where there is no wing or struts obstructing the view.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

Baggage allowance rules here are dictated by the physical dimensions of the luggage compartment.

• Soft Bags: It is strongly recommended to use soft travel bags or backpacks instead of hard suitcases on wheels. A hard case may simply not fit into the hatch of a small plane.
• Minimum Items: Space is limited. Take only the essentials with you.
• Prohibited Items: International aviation security rules apply here too. Explosives, flammable liquids, and chemicals cannot be carried.

Recommendations for Connections and Transfers

Itzehoe Airport is not a transit hub. There are no direct connections with Lufthansa flights or other airlines.

• Logistics Planning: If Itzehoe is just the starting point of your major journey, allow enough time for the transfer. The road to Hamburg International Airport will take about 50–60 minutes by car. Do not plan a connection "back-to-back", consider possible traffic jams on the A23 autobahn.

Customs and Passport Control

Most flights from here are domestic (Germany) or intra-Schengen.

• Absence of Permanent Post: There is no permanent customs service at the airfield.
• International Departures: If your private flight is heading to a country outside the Schengen zone (for example, to the UK), the pilot is obliged to submit a special request in advance to summon border guards to the aircraft. As a passenger, you must have a valid passport and necessary visas with you, even if there is no control upon departure.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Free Parking: Leave your car in the free airfield parking lot — this is a significant saving compared to the rates of large airports.
• Cash: At the local bistro and when paying for some services at the airfield, terminals may not work. Always have a supply of cash Euros with you so as not to waste time travelling to an ATM in the neighbouring village.
• Own Food: If the bistro is closed (for example, on a weekday out of season), there will be nowhere to buy food on-site. Take water and a light snack with you.

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

Small aviation is much more dependent on weather than large liners. Fog, strong wind, or low cloud cover can cause flight cancellation.

• Patience and Flexibility: If the pilot says it is impossible to fly — do not insist. The weather in Northern Germany is changeable: a delay may last only an hour until the fog clears.
• Compensation: Unlike scheduled airlines, standard compensation for weather delays is usually not provided here. Discuss refund conditions or rescheduling the flight date in advance.
• Leisure: Use the waiting time to visit the viewing platform or take a walk through the picturesque surroundings of the Hohenlockstedt municipality.