The striking Klev is a fossilized escarpment that rises more than 30 metres above the surrounding lowlands—a noticeable difference in elevation. A slight incline in Kleve marks the transition from the Geest to the marshland. If you are planning a stay, you can explore the landscape on foot or by bike and choose excursions to suit your interests.
The Eider lowlands and the Klev slope
Kleve’s settlements include Westermoor, Hehm and Nordfeld in the Eider lowlands. The Eider dike in Nordfeld was built in 1937 and continues to regulate the water level of the Middle Eider. The Klev slope provides a striking contrast in the landscape. Just under 12 hectares of the Klev slope are part of the Klev and Donn Landscape near St. Michaelisdonn Special Area of Conservation; the slope has been designated a nature reserve since 1962. Several stops along the Klev slope are part of the HISTOUR route. Elsewhere in the Amt Eider area, river landscapes, moors, marshland, Geest and forests also shape the scenery.
Cycling and hiking
The Klev and Donn landscape attracts hikers, cyclists and horse riders. The Eider Erlebnis Route runs by bike from Kleve via Schlichting and on to Lunden. A hiking trail leads from the draisine station to the Klev and back via Hopen. If you would like to visit viewpoints, you’ll find the Bismarckstein and Spiekerberg on the Donner Klev. The circular hike there also starts at the draisine station. The viewpoints are on the Donner Klev, not in the village of Kleve itself—a useful distinction when planning your excursion.
The routes differ not only by activity but also by where they lead: the cycling route goes from Kleve through other villages, while the hikes described here start at the draisine station. Check trail conditions and local signposting before setting out. For cyclists arriving by train, St. Michaelisdonn station is a starting point; check current train connections and route conditions for your journey.
More to explore in Dithmarschen
In the wider travel destination of Dithmarschen, cultural and historical attractions complement the landscape. The Dithmarscher Landesmuseum in Meldorf traces 1,200 years of Dithmarschen—from the wealth of the farmers’ republic to everyday rural life in the 1960s. The Museumslandschaft Dithmarschen comprises 19 professionally and volunteer-run museums in eleven locations. In Albersdorf, the Stone Age Park offers hands-on activities such as flint knapping, archery, making Stone Age jewellery, lighting fires and baking bread. The programme may vary depending on the date; check the current programme details if you plan to take part in these activities.
Places to eat and finding accommodation
The Dithmarscher Hof in Kleve is listed as an inn serving German and regional cuisine. Check availability before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Nordermeldorf, Schafstedt, Kirchspielslandgemeinden Eider, Karolinenkoog, StrĂĽbbel, OffenbĂĽttel, Volsemenhusen, Buchholz
Back to the wider travel overview: Dithmarschen.
