Lehe lies on the Eider and is part of the Eider-Treene-Sorge lowlands. The Eider, Schleswig-Holstein’s longest river, is lined with green meadows, reeds and water lilies. Lehe is also one of the places that together make up the Eider river landscape in Dithmarschen. The river and lowlands shape the area’s character; hiking, cycling and water activities offer further opportunities in the Eider region.

Local History in the Coat of Arms

In earlier times, the location on the Eider was of strategic importance. The municipal coat of arms offers a direct link to the town’s history: Peter Swyn from Lehe is honoured in it and is regarded as the most important statesman of the Dithmarschen Peasant Republic. The Wurtmannen emblem was also incorporated into the coat of arms. Markus Swyn, Peter Swyn’s grandson, was the first ducal bailiff of Norderdithmarschen. While Peter Swyn is associated with the Peasant Republic, Markus Swyn represents the first ducal bailiff’s office in Norderdithmarschen. The two names thus point to different political contexts in the region’s history.

Cake and Breakfast in Lehe

For a break, Café Liebevoll hinterm Deich is a specific place to visit in Lehe. The modern maritime café serves homemade cakes and gateaux; it also offers à la carte breakfast throughout the day. If you are making a firm plan to visit, check the details before your trip, as they may change.

Water, Trails and Longer Routes in the Eider Region

The wider Eider region offers opportunities for hiking and cycling in natural surroundings. Canoeing and fishing are available on the Eider; stand-up paddleboarding is also one of the activities in the Eider region. For cycle touring, the Eider-Treene-Sorge long-distance cycle route offers a longer-distance option: it is just under 170 kilometres long. Route details may be updated, so it is advisable to check the route before planning specific stages. Various boats are available for hire at Eiderhafen Lexfähre for trips on the Eider. Check availability in advance if you are planning a boat trip.

Dithmarschen as a Wider Destination

The wider destination of Dithmarschen offers more ways to explore the region’s history. The Dithmarschen State Museum in Meldorf traces 1,200 years of Dithmarschen history, from the wealth of the Peasant Republic to rural everyday life in the 1960s. In Lunden, a historic family cemetery is connected with the history of the formerly independent Dithmarschen Peasant Republic. The easy “Mötjensee and White-Tailed Eagle” circular trail also runs there: the route is 12.79 kilometres long. The Dithmarschen Stone Age Park offers another way to explore regional history, with practical activities such as flint knapping, archery, making Stone Age jewellery, fire-making and bread-baking. The activities on offer may vary depending on the programme. The Dithmarschen museum network brings together 19 museums run by professional staff and volunteers across eleven locations.

Discover more destinations: Büsumer Deichhausen, Schalkholz, Hörst, Windbergen, Offenbüttel, Süderdeich, Rehm-Flehde-Bargen, Süderhastedt.

View the wider travel overview: Dithmarschen.