Neu Duvenstedt: The Settlers’ Farm and Geest History

Neu Duvenstedt is shaped by an agricultural, nature-rich terminal moraine landscape on the edge of the Duvenstedter Berge and by the history of the settlers’ colony. When planning a stay, these two perspectives are particularly tangible: historic buildings and interpretations of the settlers, as well as trails through the shaped landscape. The settlers’ farm brings together several cultural and nature-related themes; the Tree Church offers a distinct connection to St. Mary’s Church in Rendsburg.

The History of the Settlers and the Tree Church

The colony, comprising 15 farms, was founded between 1761 and 1764 as part of the settlement of the Schleswig Geest. Twelve of the colony’s farms were established in the Duvenstedter Berge on the edge of the Hüttener Berge. The settlers’ nature experience area depicts the lives of the settlers who inhabited and farmed the landscape. This makes it possible to connect the history of the settlement’s founding with the development of the cultural landscape.

An earth hut discovered on the present-day settlers’ farm has been restored to its former state. The settlers’ house was built later as a new building; its proportions exactly match those of the old settlers’ house. These two descriptions offer different insights into the colony’s architectural history, without implying that the settlers’ house is a reconstructed building.

The Tree Church is a replica of St. Mary’s Church in Rendsburg, built to a scale of 1:4. Public church services are held there on special holidays, including Easter Monday and Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. If you plan your visit around one of these services, check the specific dates in advance. The Tree Church is also available for weddings and baptisms; prior arrangements may be required.

The Settlers’ Farm: Cultural Trail, Sculpture Trail and Trekking Site

The settlers’ farm is a 14-hectare outdoor site in Hüttener Berge Nature Park that is open year-round; the grounds include activity stations and walking trails. The nature experience area depicts the lives of the settlers who inhabited and farmed the landscape. There is also a cultural trail and animal enclosures. This brings historical interpretation together with trails through the grounds.

You can explore the sculpture trail independently or on a guided tour. If you are planning a tour, check the dates in advance. The offerings also include walks in the surrounding countryside. At the settlers’ farm trekking site, there is an area of approximately 500 square metres where you can spend a night under the stars. The trekking facilities are intended for people travelling by bicycle or on foot. Check the current conditions and site availability in advance.

Landscape and Trails Around Neu Duvenstedt

Neu Duvenstedt lies on the edge of the Duvenstedter Berge in a nature-rich terminal moraine landscape that is largely shaped by agriculture. A 3.2-kilometre Nordic walking loop runs through the grounds of the settlers’ farm and the glacially formed Duvenstedter Berge. The route includes an information board and small waymarkers. Trail conditions and markings may change, so check the conditions before setting out.

For cycling, Cycle Route 3 in Hüttener Berge Nature Park is a longer option: the loop is approximately 28 kilometres long and includes a detour to the settlers’ nature experience area. Compared with the Nordic walking loop, the two options differ both in mode of travel and route length. The route and signs for the cycle route may change, so check the current route before setting off.

To reach the settlers’ farm, take the K1 towards Ahlefeld; after passing under the A7, turn onto Bornbarg. Road information may change, so check the route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Loose, Gokels, Dätgen, Bendorf, Damp, Achterwehr, Eckernförde, Blumenthal.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.