Easy hikes and walks around Rendswühren

Who was Vicelin? Vicelin (c. 1086–1154) was a Christian missionary and later Bishop of Oldenburg in Holstein. He is considered the "Apostle of the Wagrians and Holsteins" because he evangelized the Slavic and Saxon populations of present-day Schleswig-Holstein in the 12th century.

Today's Significance With its 40-meter-high tower, the Vicelin Church is visible from afar and remains the spiritual center of the community today. Modern stained-glass windows, a richly decorated interior, and the park-like church grounds make it a cultural and spiritual attraction.

Historical Origins St. James's Church in Bornhöved was consecrated in 1149 by Bishop Vicelin in the Romanesque style and has dominated the town center ever since. Archaeological finds even indicate a predecessor chapel dating back to around 980, making it one of the oldest religious buildings in the region.

If you are in good shape you can manage the route very well.

From this dirt road on the edge of the forest, you have a wonderful view over the fields to the southeast. Every now and then, huge oak trees are scattered in the silhouette.

The Predigerau runs between the field path and the Bokhorst. Here it has a lively, winding course. A bridge that is increasingly crumbling marks an old crossing into the forest. Strange: At this landmark, a 5 m high cross stands crookedly in the forest.

Almost 250 linden trees, some over 160 years old: The linden avenue of Schönböken was voted the most beautiful avenue in Schleswig-Holstein in 2010 with almost 250 linden trees, some of which are over 160 years old. The avenue offers a different view in every season, always evoking a feeling of grandeur. As you can imagine, it is a natural monument that is alive and subject to constant change. Avenues turn streets into an experience. The trees planted at regular intervals provide a frame for the view of the landscape. The avenue, as a valuable natural and cultural asset, increases the quality of the environment and the quality of life of people. The avenue of Schönbeken with its linden trees, which are over 160 years old, was planted in 1856 by the landowners of the time not only as a befitting driveway, as a status symbol, but also as wind and weather protection for arriving carriages. Where the avenue joins the federal highway 430, the trees form a funnel-shaped opening and are welcoming. https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/naturdenkmal-im-kreis-ploen-die-lindenallee-von-schoenboeken-100.html

The St. Jakobi Church, consecrated in 1149 by Bishop Vicelin and built in the Romanesque style, marks the historical center of the town of Bornhöved. It is located on the Mönchsweg and is larger than other churches of the same period. It is also probably the only church whose construction and consecration can actually be attributed to Bishop Vicelin. Excavations in the 1950s uncovered the foundations of an older baptismal and mission chapel in what is now the choir, probably built around the year 980. The church was built from fieldstone and plaster using the so-called climbing formwork technique. Renovations and additions such as the children's house (now the sacristy) in the south, the tower in the west, the half-timbered gable and the chancel with pillars characterize the current appearance of the Vicelin Church of St. Jakobi. The interior of the church is rather plain today. One of the special features is the wooden pulpit, which was made in the Rococo style by an artist from the Black Forest named Moser, who then lived in Eutin. Originally, a baptismal angel made by the same craftsman adorned the interior of the church. Since 2000/2001, there have been two stained glass windows by the Icelandic artist Leifur Breidfjord in the chancel. The current park-like area that surrounds the church served as a cemetery until the 19th century. The gravestones of the archaeologist Ludwig Ross and his brother Charles Ross (landscape painter) can still be found on the east side of the Vicelin Church. A trumpet tree (Catalpa bignoides), also known as the “abundantly fruiting cigar tree”, planted in front of the church in 1912, is one of the oldest examples of its kind in northern Germany. Free church tour after telephone registration on 04323/901211, open church on Tues., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. with "church sitters". Visitors can also usually get the church key Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Martin Luther Community Center, Am Alten Markt 16 or by telephone appointment on 04323/901211 https://www.bornhoeved.de/urlaub-und-freizeit/sehensw%C3%BCrdigkeiten.html