Neu Duvenstedt combines the history of a 15-farm colony with a glacially shaped moraine landscape. The village lies on the edge of the Duvenstedter Berge; the surroundings are predominantly agricultural while also close to nature. During your stay, you can focus on the settlement’s history and its buildings, or plan a walk and a longer cycling tour.
History and buildings
The 15-farm colony was founded between 1761 and 1764 as part of the settlement of the Schleswig Geest. Twelve farms in the colony were established in the Duvenstedter Berge on the edge of the HĂĽttener Berge.
At today’s Kolonistenhof, a discovered earth hut has been restored to its former condition. The settlers’ house was later built as a new construction with the exact proportions of the old settlers’ house. The earth hut and the later new building thus represent different architectural approaches: restoration of the hut and adoption of the proportions of an old house.
The tree church offers another architectural comparison: it is a 1:4 scale replica of Rendsburg’s St. Mary’s Church. Public services are held there on special holidays, including Easter Monday and Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. The tree church is also available for weddings and baptisms; prior arrangements may be required. Check service dates before your trip and make arrangements for planned celebrations well in advance.
Nature experiences and cultural trails
Kolonistenhof is described as a year-round, 14-hectare open-air site with activity stations and walking paths in HĂĽttener Berge Nature Park. As a nature experience area, it presents the lives of the colonists who settled in the landscape and farmed it. The grounds include a cultural trail and animal enclosures; walks in the surrounding countryside are also part of what is offered.
The sculpture trail can be explored independently or with a guided tour. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the dates in advance.
On foot and by bike
A 3.2-kilometre Nordic walking circuit runs through the glacially formed Duvenstedter Berge on the Kolonistenhof grounds. An information board and small signposts help with navigation. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the latest information before setting out.
Route 3 of HĂĽttener Berge Nature Park is an approximately 28-kilometre cycling circuit with a detour to the Kolonistenhof nature experience area in Neu Duvenstedt. The distances make the difference clear: the Nordic walking circuit is shorter, while Route 3 offers a longer option for a cycling tour. The route and signage may change; check the latest route information before setting out.
The trekking offer at Kolonistenhof is intended for people travelling by bicycle or on foot. The Wildes-SH trekking site includes an area of approximately 500 square metres for one night under the starry sky. Details about outdoor overnight stays may change; check the current conditions before planning.
Getting to Kolonistenhof
Follow the K1 towards Ahlefeld, drive under the A7, and then turn onto Bornbarg. Road information may change; check the route before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Osterby, Westensee, Altenholz, Rickert, Hohenwestedt, Felm, Holtsee, Damendorf
Back to the regional travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.
