Discover Sollwitt: Moorland, Nature and Village History

Sollwitt combines a rural landscape with a rich local history. The Pobüller Moor tells the story of a landscape that was both a natural environment and a resource used by people; the historic Hercules wind turbine represents technological change in the 20th century. Cycle routes and the GeestRundtour add an active perspective to these themes. When planning a trip, you can focus on the landscape, history or outdoor activities—or combine these different sides of the area.

Moorland, Woodland and Geest

The Pobüller Moor, which is associated with Sollwitt, has a peat layer up to seven metres deep. Parts of the moor were reclaimed in 1927. The depth of the peat layer and its subsequent use tell two different chapters in the landscape’s story: its natural characteristics and human intervention.

Pobüller Bauernholz is a protected landscape area on a low terminal moraine ridge in the Husum-Bredstedt Geest. Deciduous woodland, wet meadows, moors and fields alternate across an area of around 152 hectares. The wetlands provide breeding or resting habitats for numerous bird species; Bauernholz is also designated as a NATURA 2000 site. Anyone interested in landscapes will find a variety of habitats and forms of protection brought together in one area.

Traces from Different Centuries

Sollwitt was first mentioned in a document in 1407. Flint tools and weapons indicate that the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Iron slag, in turn, points to the smelting of bog iron in prehistoric and early historical times. These finds represent different aspects of the area’s early history: settlement, the use of tools and the working of local resources.

A Neolithic stone axe was found near the road between Sollwitt and Süderhackstedt. Its decoration may indicate ritual use. Older building fabric has been preserved in Klein-Sollwitt. The four historic hereditary lease farms are also part of the village’s history: originally, they were owned by the cathedral chapter, the Catholic church administration in Schleswig.

Another detail from the community’s past is the Dingstock, a traditional staff used to summon meetings or hearings before the Bauernvogt, a local rural official. The Dingstöcke from Sollwitt and Sollwittfeld had split ends that held written messages. The bearer passed the message from neighbour to neighbour. A single object thus reveals a means of communication that required no modern technology.

The Hercules Wind Turbine and Village Life

The historic Hercules wind turbine in Pobüll was built in 1923 and commissioned in 1924. Its rotor was twelve metres in diameter, the tower was 28 metres high, and the wind dynamo produced 13 kilowatts. The installation also powered an attached grain mill. It was connected to 120 installed lamps, a tower lamp for village lighting and eight electric motors for threshing and chopping. These different tasks show the role the wind turbine played in the supply of energy and in work at the time.

The municipal coat of arms also reflects a local connection: a deciduous tree represents Pobüll and refers to the nearby Pobüller Bauernwald. The Sollwitt-Pobüll local cultural association has been active since 1953 and organises events and courses every year. The programmes vary, so if you are interested in a particular activity, check the latest dates.

Exploring by Bike

The GeestRundtour reaches Sollwitt after passing through Pobüller Bauernholz and Nordermoor. It is described as a 31.6-kilometre route taking two hours and five minutes. It is worth checking the latest route information before setting off. The route runs mainly along quiet side roads or farm tracks and avoids main roads where possible.

Cycle paths connect Sollwitt with Viöl and Süderhackstedt; the local condition of these routes should also be checked before setting off. The route details provide practical guidance for planning your day, while the local history offers a different way to experience your stay. When looking for accommodation for a trip to Sollwitt, you could consider whether you would like to set aside more time for cycling, enjoying the landscape or exploring historical topics.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Norderfriedrichskoog, Wittdün, Holm, Olderup, Joldelund, Tating, Stadum, Tümlauer Koog.

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