The eastern route of the Ochsenweg passes through Süderschmedeby and continues towards Schleswig; archaeological evidence also points to early ironworking. This gives the town two specific starting points for planning your trip: a long-distance cycle route with distinct stages, or a stay focused on exploring local early history. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these themes can help you define the purpose of your trip more precisely: will cycling shape your stay, or would you rather focus on the historical traces?
Plan your trip along the Ochsenweg
The 245-kilometre eastern route of the Ochsenweg passes through Süderschmedeby and Idstedt and continues towards Schleswig. Its surfaces include asphalt, firm gravel and field paths. The route is considered scenic, has a cultural and historical character, is suitable for a multi-stage tour and offers places to stop for refreshments. The 245 kilometres refer to the route’s total length; its suitability for a multi-stage tour makes it an interesting option for a trip taken in several stages. The eastern route can also be ridden in either direction, so the direction of travel is up to you. Its varied surfaces are another specific feature to consider when choosing this cycle route.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Süderschmedeby, you can first consider whether the long-distance route should shape your stay or whether cycling is just one of several interests. This lets you choose the location based on a specific reason for travelling, without committing to a fixed itinerary in advance.
Early ironworking in Süderschmedeby
Blast furnaces were operating in Süderschmedeby by the Roman Imperial period at the latest. The Iron Age bloomery at Auberg near Süderschmedeby was investigated in 1972 and 1973 by the Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Prehistory and Early History and dated to the first centuries AD. It is the first prehistoric bloomery of this particular type to have been identified in Schleswig-Holstein. The two pieces of evidence highlight different aspects: the blast furnaces are associated with Süderschmedeby, while the bloomery is linked to Auberg and its distinctive classification. For those interested in cultural history, this connects a specific place with a broader context in Schleswig-Holstein.
Circular tours and pilgrimage route
Another point of interest in the surrounding area is the pilgrims’ hut in Kirchenholz, between Süderschmedeby and Sieverstedt. It is located on the “Ochsenweg-Haervejen” pilgrimage route and serves as a resting place. The municipality of Sieverstedt, which includes the village of Sieverstedt, has circular cycling and hiking routes in and around the village. Sections of the historic Ochsenweg and the traditional Stapelholmer Weg pass through the countryside. E-bikes are available to rent from the tourist information office.
When choosing your routes, it is worth considering the different types of trails. The eastern route is a 245-kilometre long-distance cycle route suitable for multi-stage tours, while there are circular cycling and hiking routes in and around Sieverstedt. The pilgrims’ hut is a resting place on a pilgrimage route. You can therefore decide whether to plan your stay around a long-distance cycling stage, circular tours or the pilgrimage route.
Discover more destinations: Tarp, Sieverstedt, Barderup.
Go to the main travel overview: Oeversee.
