Discover Vordorf: Settlement History and Culture

Vordorf, Rethen and Eickhorst are considered three of the oldest settlements in the district of Gifhorn. The dates provide concrete reference points for looking back at their history: Vordorf dates back to 1022 and Rethen to 1301. Eickhorst first appears in 1007 under the name “Hechorst”. A Neolithic burial site, approximately 5,000 years old, was found near Rethen. The story thus reaches from early settlement dates far back into prehistory.

Megalithic Tomb and Church Art in Rethen

The megalithic tomb in Rethen is a listed individual monument dating from the Middle Neolithic and is of historical significance. Its remains have been made accessible to visitors, and the monument has been opened to the public. An information pillar at the megalithic tomb was inaugurated in July 2000.

St. Nicolai Church in Rethen also brings together traces from different periods. The present nave was built in 1901 to a design by Eduard Wendebourg; the tower may date from the 13th or 14th century. The pulpit from the predecessor church, bearing the coat of arms of the Lords of Rethen, has been preserved inside. Part of the gallery balustrade from the previous building, bearing names and a date, has also survived. A stained-glass window in the chancel depicts Christ as the Judge of the World. The church thus brings together a clearly dated design with older details that are dated more tentatively, as well as surviving features.

Events and Produce

Rethener Dorfleben adds occasional events to Rethen’s cultural offering. If you would like to plan your visit around one, it is worth checking the latest dates.

The Eickenhof product range includes asparagus, geese, strawberries, raspberries, tulip bulbs and cut tulips. The range may vary by season. Since 2007, six farming families from Papenteich have organized the cultivation and marketing of Eickenhof products. The produce and the families’ joint marketing offer an agricultural perspective on the region.

The Wider Area: District of Gifhorn

Beyond the history of its towns and villages, the district of Gifhorn is shaped by a varied landscape that includes heathland, forests, moorland, rivers and lakes. The district is also home to the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are numerous themed trails and nature trails for hiking.

The cycle network also offers a regional reference point for planning a trip. It comprises around 700 kilometres of leisure cycling routes, plus around 550 kilometres of everyday routes with connecting sections. Around 400 signposted junctions can be combined to plan individual cycling routes. These figures refer to the district of Gifhorn and provide an overview of its cycle network.

The wider destination of Gifhorn is also home to the International Wind and Watermill Museum, with 13 full-size mills from around the world. Another way to explore the natural surroundings is the ornithological trail around Tankumsee: information boards along the route share facts about the birds found by the lake.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Räderloh, Hagen, Brome, Leiferde, Wilsche, Meine, Müden, Hankensbüttel.

Back to the main travel overview: Gifhorn.