Süderschmedeby – Ochsenweg, Forest Forge and Local History

Süderschmedeby appeals to visitors who want to combine a cycling trip with regional history. The eastern route of the Ochsenweg runs through the village and continues via Idstedt towards Schleswig. At the same time, the blast furnaces in Süderschmedeby and the researched forest forge at Auberg near Süderschmedeby point to early ironworking.

Cycling the eastern route of the Ochsenweg

The eastern route of the Ochsenweg is a 245-kilometre long-distance cycle route. It runs through Süderschmedeby and Idstedt and continues towards Schleswig. Along the way, the surfaces alternate between asphalt, compacted gravel and country lanes. The route passes through a scenic landscape shaped by culture and history, is suitable for multi-stage tours and offers opportunities to stop for refreshments. If you are planning a longer cycling trip, you can therefore consider Süderschmedeby as one of the places along this route.

It is also useful for personal planning that the eastern route of the Ochsenweg can be cycled in both directions. This means you do not have to commit your trip to just one direction of travel. When preparing, you should take the different surfaces into account as well as the total length of 245 kilometres. Those who prefer shorter outings will find additional circular cycling and hiking routes in the associated municipality.

Forest forge and early ironworking

Süderschmedeby also has a distinctive cultural and historical profile. Blast furnaces were burning here by the Roman Imperial period at the latest. The smithing site at Auberg is regarded as the first forest forge from prehistoric times to have been documented in this combination in Schleswig-Holstein. The Iron Age forest forge on Auberg near Süderschmedeby was investigated in 1972 and 1973 by the Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Prehistory and Early History and dated to the first centuries AD.

For your visit, this means that you can view Süderschmedeby not only as a stop on a cycling route but also as a place with a clear historical theme. Early ironworking is the archaeological focus and complements the orientation around the Ochsenweg. Accommodation in Süderschmedeby may therefore be particularly appealing if you want to include cycling and local history in the same travel plans.

Getting your bearings in the surrounding area

In the immediate vicinity of the destination is the Pilgrims’ Hut in Kirchenholz between Süderschmedeby and Sieverstedt. It is located on the “Ochsenweg-Haervejen” pilgrimage route and serves as a resting place. The associated municipality of Sieverstedt also offers circular cycling and hiking routes. Sections of the historic Ochsenweg and the traditional Stapelholmer Weg run through the landscape. E-bikes are available for hire at the tourist information office.

For orientation in the area, five new benches and information boards with marked hiking trails were or are being installed within a few days in the municipality of Sieverstedt. One location is on Schmedebyer Straße in Süderschmedeby. These signs can help you structure your outings around your cycling and hiking interests without having to limit your trip to a single route.

Other places in the surrounding area

If you would like to compare Süderschmedeby with other places in the same travel region, you can also include Barderup, Sieverstedt and Tarp in your selection. When looking for accommodation, the main consideration is whether your trip focuses on the long-distance cycle route, hiking, or the historical traces at Auberg.

For the overarching travel overview: Oeversee.