Schaalby: Churches, Watermill and Paths along the Füsinger Au

Discover Schaalby through a variety of impressions: churches with a long history, a historic watermill and paths through the lowlands each have their own character. Water and nature are part of the picture, too.

Waterways and lowlands

Moldenit and Füsing border the Schlei. The Loiterau flows through the municipality of Schaalby and empties into the Schlei. A different landscape awaits you north of Schleidörferstraße: there, the Füsinger Au winds slowly through a broad moorland lowland, shaped mainly by extensive grassland use. The waterway, open lowlands and grassland give the landscape distinct contours.

Reesholm is important for its birdlife. The area serves as a breeding ground and resting place for numerous species, including yellow wagtails, lapwings, redshanks, shelducks, oystercatchers, reed buntings and reed warblers. From the Winningmay car park, you can walk to the observation platform. Access beyond the barrier is prohibited year-round. This means that birdwatching and experiencing the landscape here are clearly limited to the designated visitor area.

Churches and milling history

St. Marien stands between Füsing and Schaalby and is a distinctive feature of the landscape. The church was first mentioned in 1192. It underwent a major extension in the 13th century and received its tower during reconstruction in 1855. The Johann-Daniel-Busch organ also tells the story of a distinct period: it dates from 1784 and was extensively restored in 1989.

St. Jakobus in Moldenit makes a different architectural impression. The church dates from the 12th century and stands on a hill among old lime trees. While several building phases at St. Marien can be traced through to modern times, St. Jakobus combines its great age with the described hilltop setting and lime trees. Those interested in churches will find two distinct historical perspectives here.

The Schaalby watermill also offers specific details to discover. It dates from 1842 and has an overshot waterwheel almost five metres in diameter, as well as two sets of millstones. The mill is considered one of the few watermills still in operation. Its date of construction, wheel and milling technology make it a distinct chapter in local history—alongside the churches, but offering a very different perspective on historic building and working practices.

Routes for different interests

The local hiking route in Schaalby is equipped with standardised waymarks, themed information boards and general information about the area. As the local trail infrastructure may be updated, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. The Füsinger-Au circular route is 24 kilometres long and starts in Kahleby. Check the current details on distance and starting point before setting out, as both may change if the route is altered in future.

A route from St. Marien follows the Füsinger Au and the embankment of the former railway line. Its course may change, so check the current route before your walk. A footpath also runs parallel to the Füsinger Au through the lowlands. Another route leads to the Winning settling ponds, crosses the Füsinger Au near its mouth and continues through a semi-natural ash and beech forest.

When choosing a route, you can weigh up different points of reference: the Füsinger-Au circular route specifies a distance of 24 kilometres, while the local route features waymarks, themed information boards and information about the area. Other routes describe their landscape sections in more detail, such as the stretch along the Au, the former railway embankment or the ash and beech forest. This makes it possible to plan according to whether you prefer a circular route with a stated distance, information about the area or particular landscape impressions.

When looking for accommodation in Schaalby, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on: churches and milling technology, the lowland landscape, birdwatching or hiking trails. This gives your trip planning direction without requiring all your interests to lead to the same kind of stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nübel, Tolk, Struxdorf, Klappholz, Böklund, Brodersby, Taarstedt, Havetoft.

For the overall travel guide, see Südangeln.