Several reasons to visit come together in Horst (Holstein): cycling loops lead through open landscapes, St. Jürgen Church features a large painted ceiling, and the outdoor pool offers various ways to exercise and relax outdoors. When planning, you can focus on the individual highlights—for example, the route, the chance to spot storks, or a visit to the church, swimming pool and farm shop.
Cycling the Stork Tour, Summer Tour and Lapwing Tour
The Stork Tour is a cycling loop that starts and ends at Horst train station. It is marked with a green stork on a white background. The route passes through Hohenfelde and Glindesmoor, along quiet paths, wide meadows and fields. In the marshland, you may be able to spot storks; damp meadows and open areas provide suitable conditions for raising their young.
The Summer Tour highlights different landscape features: the route passes through parts of Kiebitzreihe and Sommerland, along meadows, fields and typical waterways, before returning to Horst. Look for a green sun symbol on a white sign to find your way. The Lapwing Tour, meanwhile, is 34 kilometres long, starts at Horst train station and leads into the Königsmoor conservation area. With a little luck, you may spot a lapwing there; wide fields and quiet rural landscapes characterise the route.
The three routes offer clear points of reference when choosing: the Stork Tour combines a loop starting and ending at the station with marshland and possible stork sightings; the Lapwing Tour leads into Königsmoor and is listed as 34 kilometres long; and the Summer Tour passes through the places mentioned and follows waterways on its way back to Horst. Check current route conditions before setting out.
Getting there and finding your way at the station
By car, you can reach the Stork Tour via the A23. Take the Horst/Elmshorn exit and follow the signs towards Horst train station. A park-and-ride car park at the station is right at the start of the Stork Tour; check its availability before travelling. The station is also the starting point for the Lapwing Tour. Check road and route conditions again before departure.
St. Jürgen Church: ceiling painting and chapel
A striking feature of St. Jürgen Church is its large painted ceiling made of spruce boards. The paintings were uncovered and restored during the church's interior renovation in 1965. There is also a chapel in the bell tower, offering cyclists a place for quiet reflection. Access arrangements may change, so check them before your visit.
Swimming and relaxing at Horst outdoor pool
Horst outdoor pool has six 50-metre lanes and a non-swimmer area. Facilities include 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards, as well as a 3-metre platform. There is a separate paddling pool for small children; sun loungers in the outdoor area offer another way to spend time between swims. You can tailor your visit to suit different interests: swim laps, dive, splash around with children or relax outdoors.
Dannwisch Farm and regional produce
The farm shop at Dannwisch Farm sells vegetables, fresh sausage and cheese from its own dairy. The products available may vary. The farm's agricultural approach is also part of its history: since switching to biodynamic farming in 1957, Dannwisch Farm has worked to Demeter standards. The farm shop is another place to visit alongside the cycling routes, outdoor pool and church.
Discover more destinations: Engelbrechtsche Wildnis, Hodorf, Kollmar, Lägerdorf, Bokelrehm, Sankt Margarethen, Puls, Rethwisch.
For the main travel overview: Steinburg.
