Steinau is identifiable by its drainage canals running alongside the roads, which shape the townscape and landscape. The history of St. John the Baptist Church also goes back a long way: it was built as a half-timbered structure in 1835 and had already been mentioned as a parish church in 1245.
Townscape and southern landscape
A settlement centre around the church in Lauentheil and Glind is part of the townscape, as is the extensive development along the roads. To the south, the Hadelner Canal is flanked by dikes and towpaths. Moorland and woodland lie south and southwest of Steinau. Thus, alongside the canals running beside the roads, there is a distinct southern landscape shaped by the canal.
Alte Aue offers another specific connection with nature: the Steinau–Alte Aue project area lies southwest of Steinau, between Lauentheil and Süderwesterseite. It is considered a meadow-bird breeding area of regional and local importance. The Sietland is also a traditional breeding ground for lapwings, redshanks, Eurasian curlews and snipes.
Between 2018 and 2020, species-rich marsh grassland and traditional ditch systems were restored at Steinau-Norderende. Along with the drainage canals and the landscape features in the south, the care of the marsh and ditches also shapes the area’s connection with nature.
Church, architectural history and culture
A historical reference from 1245 lists the church in Steinau, then called Stenove, as a parish church and describes it as one of the older churches in the Sietland. The current half-timbered structure was built in 1835. Its furnishings include a wooden baptismal font with a pewter bowl dated 1733. The date refers to the bowl, not the church building.
The organ has its own history, too: Georg Wilhelm built it in 1839, and Hillebrand restored it in 1991. It is considered a late example of North German organ building. The construction year, the baptismal bowl and the history of the organ thus mark different historical periods and individual aspects of the church.
The cultural programme extends beyond the church’s history. The Kleine Kulturkreis Steinau organises cabaret, theatre and readings. Small art exhibitions are occasionally held in the Holzschuhmacherhaus. The Steinauer Frühtanz is celebrated annually at Pentecost. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the specific event date in advance.
Brewery and Steinau beer
The Steinau brewery has brewing equipment for brewing, fermenting, bottling and chilling beer. An accessible path leads to the brewery. A snack vending machine is installed on the front, accessible to everyone, including cyclists passing by. Steinau beer is produced under the name Alte Aue and includes pilsner and wheat beer. The brewery thus brings together technical equipment, a named local product and a specific offering for passers-by.
These features offer different local highlights for planning a trip: the landscape around the canals and marshland, the history of the church, cultural events and the brewery. Which ones you focus on depends on whether you are especially interested in nature, architectural history or the local cultural and beer offerings.
Discover more destinations: Flögeln, Wurster North Sea Coast, Börde Lamstedt, Bad Bederkesa, Beverstedt, Neuhaus, Land Wursten, Nordleda
Go to the main travel overview: Cuxhaven.
