Klein Rheide: River Landscapes, Cycling Routes and Local History

Between the Geest and the wet lowlands, Klein Rheide brings together nature, cycling and local history. The Rheider Au shapes the area’s connection to the landscape; historic routes and monuments bring different aspects of the town to life.

Between the Geest, the Au and wet meadows

Klein Rheide lies between the Geest and the lowlands of the Rheider Au. Wet meadows and pastures provide a habitat for rare species such as the lapwing. The landscape is shaped not only by its open spaces, but also by their importance as a habitat.

The Rheider Au flows north of Klein Rheide. It is a tributary of the Treene and part of the Eider-Treene-Sorge river landscape. Anyone interested in waterways and landscapes can look beyond the course of an individual river to the wider context: the Au is part of the local landscape, while the Eider-Treene-Sorge describes a broader river landscape.

Cycling and historic routes

Klein Rheide is connected to the Eider-Treene-Sorge cycling network. The 240-kilometre route passes through the lowland landscape of Schleswig-Holstein. It is signposted and separated from motor traffic; the route is also considered family-friendly. Check the signage and conditions locally before setting off.

Two historic routes also offer distinct perspectives. The Ochsenweg passes through Klein Rheide and offers insights into the area’s natural and cultural history. The Viking-Frisian Way passes through the town, connects St. Peter-Ording with Maasholm and draws on historical evidence relating to Vikings and Frisians. While the Ochsenweg highlights the local connection between landscape and culture, the Viking-Frisian Way spans the distance between its two named endpoints and explores historical themes.

For planning your ride, it is also worth noting that Klein Rheide itself has no purpose-built cycling paths. You can take its connection to the cycling network into account without assuming a specific local cycle route.

Monuments and regional history

Two listed cultural monuments provide specific dates in the town’s history. A thatched house dating from 1872 stands on Untere Dorfstraße. At the junction of Untere and Obere Dorfstraße is a double oak dating from 1898. Both sites combine a precise date with distinctive features of the local surroundings.

Near Klein Rheide, the Archaeological Border Complex of Haithabu and the Danewerk is a place to visit. In the wider travel destination of Schleswig-Flensburg, Haithabu and the Danewerk have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since June 2018. The Danewerk comprises earthworks with ditches, a brick wall, two fortifications and a sea barrier. These wider archaeological themes complement the routes and monuments that shape Klein Rheide itself.

Choose the right location for your trip

Choose a location that suits your travel plans. This lets the experiences you are interested in around Klein Rheide guide your choice of base.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Norderstapel, Bergenhusen, Tetenhusen, Alt Bennebek, Süderstapel, Groß Rheide, Wohlde, Erfde.

Go to the overview of the wider travel destination: Kropp-Stapelholm.