Süderschmedeby: Ox Road and Forest Forge

The eastern route of the Ox Road passes through Süderschmedeby; the forge site on the Auberg is significant for its prehistoric history. The Pilgrim Hut is located nearby in Kirchenholz. More circular cycling and walking tours can be found in and around Sieverstedt. This brings together several distinct themes for trip planning: a long-distance cycling route, archaeological history, and local trails.

Cycling the Eastern Route of the Ox Road

The 245-kilometre eastern route of the Ox Road is a long-distance cycling route. It passes through Süderschmedeby and Idstedt and continues toward Schleswig. The route is suitable for a multi-stage tour and can be ridden in either direction. The total distance indicates the scale of the route; the stage format and direction of travel are further considerations when planning.

The route includes sections of asphalt, firm gravel, and farm tracks. It offers scenic views and is rich in cultural and historical interest, with places to stop for refreshments. The surface and thematic character provide different insights into the route profile: the mix of asphalt, gravel, and farm tracks describes the road surface, while culture and history add to the character of the tour.

Archaeological history in Süderschmedeby

The forge site on the Auberg is the first prehistoric forest forge in Schleswig-Holstein documented in this particular combination. An Iron Age forest forge on the 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. The years refer to the investigation, not to the dating of the historical find.

Blast furnaces also belong to the area's early history: they were operating in Süderschmedeby by the Roman Imperial period at the latest. The forest forge and the blast furnaces thus offer two archaeological points of interest with different chronological references. Those interested in the area's history can consider separately the forest forge's distinctive comparative significance and the period associated with the blast furnaces.

The Pilgrim Hut and other trails

The Pilgrim Hut is located in Kirchenholz, between Süderschmedeby and Sieverstedt, on the “Ox Road-Hærvejen” pilgrimage route. It serves as a rest stop and is therefore a distinct landmark in the vicinity of the destination.

There are circular cycling and walking tours in and around Sieverstedt. Sections of the historic Ox Road and the traditional Stapelholm Way run through the countryside. E-bikes are available to rent at the tourist information office. These activities are in Sieverstedt and its surroundings; they should be distinguished from the place and route information directly associated with Süderschmedeby.

The type of tour is also a practical point of comparison when planning a trip: the eastern route is a long-distance cycling route suitable for a multi-stage tour, while circular cycling and walking tours are available in and around Sieverstedt. This lets you weigh up a longer cycling route against circular trails for different activities.

Discover more destinations: Tarp, Sieverstedt, Barderup

For the overview of the wider region: Oeversee.