Bendorf-Oersdorf is a small municipality on the Heide-Itzehoe heath, right next to Hanerau-Hademarschen. Behind the double name lie two villages, Bendorf and Oersdorf, along with a few farms and hamlets such as Hohenhörn, Keller and Lohmühle. The two villages are linked by the small Iselbek brook. What defines the place is not grand buildings but a quiet landscape, a long tradition of horse breeding and a surprising number of Stone Age traces. From our guesthouse in Liesbüttel you are there in just a few minutes.
Proud village of Bendorf-Oersdorf
inhabitants
And rumour has it there are more horses than people grazing between Bendorf and Oersdorf. Nobody has ever counted them, though, for a horse rarely stands still long enough to be counted.
Bendorf-Oersdorf at a glance
- One municipality made of two villages, Bendorf and Oersdorf, plus several farms
- Around 469 inhabitants across about 20 km² of heathland
- District of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, central Holstein
- Right next to Hanerau-Hademarschen, the Kiel Canal touches the area
- Linked by the Iselbek brook, with a long horse-breeding tradition
- Very close to our guesthouse Nord-West 1700
Traces of the Stone Age
Bendorf has around 25 registered archaeological monuments, including many burial mounds, three megalithic tombs and three long barrows from the Neolithic period. For so small a place this is a remarkable density and shows how long this heath has been settled.
Several megalithic tombs are recorded in the municipality. Honestly, though, they are heavily destroyed today, often only single boulders or the mound itself remain, and the exact locations are not publicly signposted for protection reasons. More for history fans than for a grand photo.
Alongside the Stone Age graves, a medieval motte (a tower-hill castle) called Lewenborch is also recorded as a monument. A quiet piece of history beneath the turf.
Coat of arms, horses and mills
The history of the municipality is vividly captured in its coat of arms from 1984: a wavy line stands for the Iselbek brook that flows between the two villages, a silver horse’s head for the long tradition of horse breeding, and a red mill wheel for the village’s two historic mills. These mills, the Hohenhörn watermill and the Lohmühle, once belonged to the Hanerau estate as compulsory mills, but no longer exist today. The hamlet of Lohmühle still carries the name. The horses, by contrast, have stayed: breeding continues in Bendorf-Oersdorf to this day, including at a stud in the hamlet of Keller.
Nature by the water
To the south lies a European protected area around the Iselbek and the Lindhorster Teich. The pond is a rare, very nutrient-poor habitat, home to protected species such as the brook and river lamprey. A quiet, unspoilt corner for nature lovers.
The Kiel Canal touches the municipality to the south, spanned by the Hohenhörn high bridge. The ships and the free ferries at Fischerhütte are only a short way off.
Bendorf-Oersdorf lies in a gently rolling heath landscape with woods such as the Bondenschiften forest, wide pastures and small brooks. Ideal for quiet walks and bike rides away from traffic.
Lively village life
The fire brigade is the heart of village life and has had its own children’s fire brigade since 2024. Together with the Red Cross and the sports club, it keeps a lot going in the small village.
The two villages share a single football club. On the sports ground games are played with full commitment, a lovely meeting point for the community.
The municipality even has its own nature-based nursery with a Low German name. Horse breeding, a bakery and a small sweet factory round off the village picture.
Worthwhile destinations nearby
The neighbouring village with traces of Theodor Storm, the Hanerau estate and a working watermill. You will find all its sights on our own place page.
The canal lies just to the south. At Fischerhütte you can see the big ships up close and cross for free.
A wide Ice Age landscape of woods, heath and ponds, ideal for long walks and bike rides.
The main town of the Mittelholstein district offers shops and services, only a few kilometres away.
If the burial mounds leave you wanting more, here is an archaeological open-air museum with reconstructed Stone Age settlements.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bendorf-Oersdorf?
Are Bendorf and Oersdorf two different places?
How many inhabitants does Bendorf-Oersdorf have?
Are there megalithic tombs in Bendorf-Oersdorf?
Can you visit the megalithic tombs?
What does the Bendorf-Oersdorf coat of arms show?
Were there mills in Bendorf-Oersdorf?
Is there a church in Bendorf-Oersdorf?
What is the thing with the horses?
What is the Iselbek with Lindhorster Teich protected area?
Is the area around Bendorf-Oersdorf good for walking or cycling?
Is there a sports club in Bendorf-Oersdorf?
Is there a fire brigade?
Is there a nursery?
What can you do in Bendorf-Oersdorf with children?
Is it worth a visit with a dog?
How do I get to Bendorf-Oersdorf?
How far is it to the Kiel Canal?
Is it worth visiting even though the village is so small?
What can you do in the surrounding area?
Where can I stay nearby?
What makes Bendorf-Oersdorf special?
Are there shops in Bendorf-Oersdorf?
Stay nearby
Would you like to explore the quiet heath with its horse pastures and Stone Age history? Our guesthouse in Liesbüttel is just minutes away, with a hearty breakfast and first-hand tips.
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