Neu Duvenstedt – Settler History and Nature

Neu Duvenstedt combines an open moraine landscape with vivid traces of settlement. On the edge of the Duvenstedt Hills, agricultural countryside, settler history and trails for walking and cycling come together. The Colonists’ Farm and the Tree Church offer contrasting highlights: one opens a window onto the history of the landscape, while the other is a replica of St Mary’s Church in Rendsburg.

Moraine Landscape and Settlement History

Neu Duvenstedt lies on the edge of the Duvenstedt Hills, in a largely agricultural, nature-rich moraine landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The village’s history is also closely linked to the settlement of this area: between 1761 and 1764, a colony of 15 farms was established here as part of the settlement of the Schleswig Geest. Twelve of the colony’s farms were set up in the Duvenstedt Hills on the edge of the Hüttener Hills. The village’s history thus connects the wider settlement area of the Geest with the specific use of this landscape.

The Colonists’ Farm: Traces of Life in the Past

The Colonists’ Farm is a 14-hectare outdoor site open year-round, with activity stations and walking trails in Hüttener Berge Nature Park. This nature experience area offers insights into the lives of the settlers who inhabited and cultivated the landscape. It includes a cultural trail and animal enclosures. The past can also be seen in individual buildings: an earth hut discovered on the site of today’s Colonists’ Farm has been restored to its former condition. The Colonists’ House, by contrast, is a later new-build with the exact proportions of the old colonists’ house.

Those interested in how the settlement developed will find several ways to explore it here: an account of the settlers’ lives, the cultural trail and examples of the buildings. The earth hut and the Colonists’ House, built later, represent different ways of making local history visible.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The 3.2-kilometre Nordic walking loop crosses the grounds of the Colonists’ Farm and passes through the Ice Age-shaped Duvenstedt Hills. An information board and small trail markers guide you along the route. As trail conditions and markings may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.

You can explore the sculpture trail on your own or with a guide; check in advance how guided tours are organised. For a longer cycling loop, take Cycle Route 3 in Hüttener Berge Nature Park: this approximately 28-kilometre circular route includes a detour to the Colonists’ Farm nature experience area in Neu Duvenstedt. The two distances offer different planning options: 3.2 kilometres for the Nordic walking loop compared with around 28 kilometres for the cycling route. Routes and signposting may change, so it is worth checking the latest route information.

The Wildes SH trekking site at the Colonists’ Farm has a roughly 500-square-metre pitch for a night under the stars. The trekking option is intended for people travelling by bicycle or on foot. Check current availability before making plans.

The Tree Church and Special Dates

The Tree Church is a 1:4-scale replica of St Mary’s Church in Rendsburg. Public services are held on special holidays, including Easter Monday and Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. If you plan to visit Neu Duvenstedt for a service, check the specific dates in advance. The Tree Church is also available for weddings and baptisms; prior arrangements may be required. Depending on your interests, you can add architecture, local history or a special occasion to your stay.

Getting to the Colonists’ Farm

To reach the Colonists’ Farm, take the K1 towards Ahlefeld; after passing under the A7, turn onto Bornbarg. As road directions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting off.

Discover More Destinations

Schinkel, Melsdorf, Damp, Thumby, Krummwisch, Achterwehr, Brodersby, Sehestedt

For the overarching travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.