Schafstedt: Geest Landscape and Ancient Oak

Schafstedt showcases the Geest landscape in all its variety: forests, meadows and moors shape the scenery. Along the municipality’s eastern edge, the Kiel Canal forms the boundary for about five kilometres.

Geest, Hiking and Getting Here

The surrounding area is considered suitable for hiking and cycling. These are two ways to experience the landscape.

Schafstedt has its own exit on the A23 for arriving by car, providing a direct road connection. Anyone considering the village as a place to stay can factor this route into their plans.

The Ancient Oak: Natural Monument and HISTOUR Heritage Site

A striking natural and historical landmark in Schafstedt is the Ancient Oak. It is a HISTOUR heritage site and has been protected as a natural monument since 1938. Its trunk circumference is 5.90 metres and it stands more than 20 metres tall; it is considered the oldest tree in Dithmarschen. This single tree thus combines a tangible sense of scale with its special designation as a natural monument.

Dithmarschen: Museums, the Stone Age and the Wadden Sea

The wider destination of Dithmarschen offers other distinct themes to explore. The Dithmarschen State Museum in Meldorf takes visitors through 1,200 years of Dithmarschen—from the wealth of the peasant republic to rural everyday life in the 1960s. This historical sweep offers culture enthusiasts insights into different eras. The Dithmarschen museum landscape also brings together 19 museums, run by both professional and volunteer staff, across eleven locations. During the Dithmarschen Cabbage Days, there are also farmers’ markets, town festivals, and sporting and cultural events throughout Dithmarschen; dates and individual programme items change.

The Dithmarschen Stone Age Park offers hands-on activities such as flint knapping, archery, making Stone Age jewellery, lighting fires and baking bread. The programme may vary depending on the schedule, so check the dates on offer before your visit.

The Stone Age Forest next to the Stone Age Park covers around 40 hectares of natural outdoor space and is permanently free to access. Even so, it is a good idea to check the latest access information when planning your visit. The Stone Age Forest in Albersdorf is also home to nine original archaeological monuments.

In Friedrichskoog, the National Park Station is an information centre with a national park exhibition on the southern side of the harbour. Along the Dithmarschen coast, guided mudflat walks are led by local guides with specialist knowledge of the area and subject. At low tide, the Wadden Sea’s diverse life becomes visible. Tides and tour dates vary; checking the available dates in advance helps with planning.

Those considering a longer hike can also explore the North Sea–Baltic Sea Hiking Trail in Dithmarschen. Its first stage runs through Dithmarschen and is just under 40 kilometres long. The full long-distance hiking trail comprises five stages and runs from Meldorf to Kiel. As route details may be updated, it is worth checking the current route description before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kronprinzenkoog, Brunsbüttel, Glüsing, Wrohm, Welmbüttel, Rehm-Flehde-Bargen, Tiebensee, Bunsoh

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Dithmarschen.