St. Martini et Nicolai Church in Steinkirchen was built in the 14th century; the purple Altes Land Route also passes through the town as a cycling route. Together with the apple festival on the third Sunday in September, these offer three distinct points of interest: architectural history, outdoor activity and a seasonal event. Check current route conditions and the exact festival dates when planning your trip.
Church and Architectural History
The history of St. Martini et Nicolai Church dates back to the 14th century. Arp Schnitger installed the organ there in 1687; it also incorporates pipes from the 16th century. The freestanding wooden bell tower was added in 1696 and stands on a granite base. These dates place the building, organ and tower in different historical periods.
An elaborately decorated pulpit altar was created by Carl Bülkau in 1784/85 and decorated by Christoph Hermann Meyer. The church’s architectural and artistic history therefore encompasses work from several centuries. St. Martini et Nicolai in Steinkirchen is also designated as a cycling-friendly church.
Altes Land: Landscape and Fruit Growing
The Elbe, orchards, traditional Altes Land farmhouses and churches, as well as dikes and ditches, shape the landscape of the Altes Land. The history of this cultivated landscape can also be traced through time: in the 12th century, predominantly Dutch settlers laid out a planned, linear landscape with long, narrow plots. Fruit growing has been established in the Altes Land since the 14th century.
Regional options include buying apples directly from farms and picking them yourself. Cherries, vegetables and berries are also sold directly there; visitors can also pick fruit from the trees. These offerings are seasonal: availability varies depending on the harvest period and the farm. If you plan to visit a farm, therefore, take the timing of your trip and the relevant harvest season into account.
Exploring by Bike or on Foot
The purple Altes Land Route passes through Steinkirchen as a cycling route, combining nature, culture and regional character. In the Altes Land, more than 100 kilometres of main and secondary dikes invite you to cycle; the regional cycling network covers around 1,000 kilometres. These figures give an idea of the regional options, but do not replace checking the specific route. Check current route conditions before setting out.
For walks in the Altes Land, consider the dikes along the Elbe, LĂĽhe and Este rivers. Cycling and walking are two different ways to explore the region. Conditions for both activities can vary with the weather; plan your route accordingly and check current conditions before setting out.
Apple Festival in Steinkirchen
An apple festival featuring crafts, a cake buffet and a shanty choir takes place in Steinkirchen on the third Sunday in September. The date provides a seasonal point of reference for planning your trip. Before you travel, check the exact festival date and programme so you can plan accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Balje, Engelschoff, Fredenbeck, Horneburg, Stade, Wischhafen, Krummendeich, Freiburg
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