Tale of a Peaceful Hamlet Sheltered by a Minute Blacksmith's Residence
In a Small German Village, Moin Belau Emerges
Nestled in an old turnaround, once intended for agricultural vehicles, lies a fascinating transformation story – the birth of Moin Belau, a quaint wine bar. For years, this quiet spot sat untouched, a "lost place" from Belau's "Raiffeisen era," a time long past.
Fast forward to today, and this forgotten area now rings with the sound of laughter and the clinking glasses of wine lovers. Nils Loenicker and Heiko Thielsen, two Belau locals with a shared love for watersports, ushered this transformation into reality during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fond memories of passing by the dilapidated pavilion on their way to the lake sparked the idea that had lingered in Loenicker's mind for years. Despite former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt's warning about visions, Loenicker saw this neglected treasure as a "little treasure chest" – the future home of Moin Belau, offering a stunning sea view. With retirement on the horizon and time on his hands during the pandemic, the renovation project seemed just right.
Roots embedded in history
Originally belonging to the Raiffeisen cooperative, Belau's village center was once dominated by a functional building where farmers would gather to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural supplies. The pavilion replaced the old building when Raiffeisen decided to establish a bank branch instead. However, it didn't last long, eventually standing empty for years.
A local sculptor then took an interest in the abandoned pavilion, but his art venture did not take off. Raiffeisen sold the building to the Brewery in Kirschenholz, but that project also proved short-lived. Over time, the pavilion stood vacant, a ghost of its former self, until Loenicker and Thielsen breathed new life into it.
The Rebirth of Moin Belau
After completing his sommelier training, Loenicker began renovating the farmhouse-style pavilion three years ago. Today, Moin Belau radiates warmth and charm, with a thatched roof, a magnificent plum tree, and a spacious wooden terrace designed by Hennings, a local nursery.
People of all walks of life gather at Moin Belau, making it a hub of information, entertainment, comfort, and often witty banter. Cyclists make it a point to stop by, and windblown paddlers can often be seen setting off or returning from the water sports club. Unsurprisingly, this picturesque village attracts lost travelers as well, lost in the Bermuda triangle of Belau, Bundhorst, and Bornhöved, hoping to find their way.
One can truly call this once quiet place "smart." There's a touch of Büsum in Belau, making it a delightful destination for those seeking a taste of the sea.
The transformation of the old farmhouse-style pavilion, once a forgotten treasure in the Bermuda triangle of Belau, Bundhorst, and Bornhöved, is now home to Moin Belau – a quaint wine bar that offers not just food-and-drink, but a lifestyle experience with its stunning sea view, warm ambiance, and spacious terrace. Today, this village center, rooted in history, has become a hub of information, entertainment, comfort, and witty banter, attracting people from all walks of life and travelers lost in transition.
In the heart of the village, Moin Belau celebrates the local culture and history, while also serving as a gathering place for windblown paddlers, cyclists, and curious travelers seeking a taste of the sea, making it a delightful destination reminiscent of the charming seaside town of Büsum.
