Anyone who wants to learn about Bordesholm through its history will find a tangible starting point at the monastery church on Lindenplatz. The church is Bordesholm’s oldest surviving listed monument and was built between 1230 and 1510. Inside is a late Gothic bronze tomb for Anna of Brandenburg and Frederick I of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp. The church and the tomb offer two different points of entry: the construction of the church spanned several centuries, while the tomb brings into focus a single late Gothic work commemorating two named individuals.
The monastery church and its vaulted cellar are open to visitors. The church is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, unless another event is taking place; check locally before your visit to confirm it is open. Guided tours are available for groups and school classes.
Monastery Church and Monastery Island
The history of the monastery island can also be traced through a sequence of events. The historic complex developed after the former collegiate foundation was moved there in 1330. An island in Lake Bordesholm was connected to the mainland by three causeways before the church and monastery buildings were erected. The site’s history therefore encompasses both the relocation of the foundation and the island’s connection to the mainland before the buildings were constructed.
In the wider Rendsburg-Eckernförde destination
Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has 55 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline and is also home to four nature parks. A substantial proportion of these parks consists of nature and landscape conservation areas, which provide habitats for diverse wildlife and plant life. The wider region therefore encompasses both coastal landscapes and protected natural areas.
Cyclists can explore 1,000 kilometres of signposted cycling routes in the district. The 180-kilometre Nature Park Hiking Trail passes through the four nature parks in Rendsburg-Eckernförde district. Another designated route is the E1 European long-distance path: it runs through the Hüttener Berge, the Brekendorf Forest and over the Aschberg, and is marked throughout with the white St Andrew’s cross. At 98 metres high, the Aschberg offers views in all directions on a clear day, reaching as far as the Kiel Canal, Eckernförde Bay and the state capital, Kiel.
Westensee-Obere Eider Nature Park is characterised by numerous lake complexes in the Schleswig-Holstein Uplands. It includes Lake Westensee, which covers around 7 km² and is a popular day-trip destination. The banks of the Eider in this nature park provide habitats for kingfishers; the Dosenmoor bog is home to distinctive flora and fauna. These details offer insights into the different landscapes and habitats of the wider destination.
The history of the wider Rendsburg-Eckernförde destination also encompasses a range of themes. Rendsburg’s old town dates back to the 13th century and is still characterised by medieval buildings. The Jewish Museum in Rendsburg is housed in Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest surviving synagogue; the building is both a historic monument and a memorial site. The Dutch-style windmill in Groß Wittensee dates from 1874. The region’s cultural heritage thus brings together urban history, a place of remembrance and mill architecture.
Discover more destinations: Kronshagen, Altenhof, Fleckeby, Damendorf, Rendsburg, Schönhorst, Osterby, Holzbunge
Back to the wider travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.
