Discover Süderschmedeby

Süderschmedeby combines a specific cycling connection with a distinctive local history: the eastern route of the Ochsenweg runs through the town, and blast furnaces were operating here by the Roman Imperial period at the latest. There is also an archaeologically significant forge site on the Auberg. This gives you two different points of focus when planning your trip: a stage on a long-distance cycling route or learning about the town’s early history.

The eastern route of the Ochsenweg

The 245-kilometre eastern route of the Ochsenweg is a long-distance cycling route. It passes through Süderschmedeby and Idstedt on its way towards Schleswig. It is suitable for a multi-stage tour and can be ridden in either direction, so you can choose which way to approach Süderschmedeby when planning your trip. The total length indicates the scale of the route, while its character as a multi-stage tour leaves room to travel in sections. The surfaces include asphalt, firm gravel and field paths. The route offers scenic views and is shaped by its culture and history, with places to stop for refreshments. If you are planning a cycling trip, you can take the different surfaces into account as well as your direction of travel.

Blast furnaces and the forest forge on the Auberg

Blast furnaces were operating in Süderschmedeby by the Roman Imperial period at the latest. The forge site on the Auberg is the first prehistoric forest forge in Schleswig-Holstein proven in this particular combination. The 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. For travellers interested in early metalworking, the Auberg is a tangible point of historical interest. Together, the blast furnaces and forest forge give the town’s history a clear archaeological focus.

Pilgrimage route and circular tours nearby

Near the destination is the Pilgrim’s Hut in Kirchenholz, between Süderschmedeby and Sieverstedt. It is located on the “Ochsenweg-Haervejen” pilgrimage route and serves as a rest stop. This gives pilgrims a specific place to pause along the route.

In the municipality of Sieverstedt, circular cycling and walking routes are available in and around Sieverstedt. You can choose between exploring the area by bike or on foot. Sections of the historic Ochsenweg and the traditional Stapelholmer Weg pass through the landscape. E-bikes are available to rent from the tourist information office.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When choosing accommodation in Süderschmedeby, you can focus on the kind of trip you want: would you like to plan around a cycling stage on the Ochsenweg, or give more weight to the town’s history? This offers families or travellers from several generations a concrete starting point for a conversation: on one hand, a long-distance cycling route with stages and varied surfaces; on the other, the archaeological story of the blast furnaces and forest forge.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Barderup, Tarp, Sieverstedt.

Back to the parent travel overview: Oeversee.