Discover Vordorf’s history and culture

Vordorf can be explored through various historical points of reference: dates associated with the settlements, a megalithic tomb and the construction and furnishing history of St. Nicolai reveal different aspects of regional history. If you are looking for hotels in Vordorf, these topics can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Early settlements and long spans of time

Vordorf, Rethen and Eickhorst are considered three of the oldest settlements in the Gifhorn district. Vordorf is dated to 1022 and Rethen to 1301. Eickhorst was first mentioned in 1007 under the name “Hechorst.” The dates refer to different historical points of reference: the first recorded mention of the name is documented for Eickhorst, while the dates for Vordorf and Rethen indicate their dating. They can therefore be compared without treating them as the same kind of event.

A much earlier point of reference comes from prehistory: a Neolithic burial site around 5,000 years old was found near Rethen. The age is approximate. Together with the later settlement dates, it highlights the vast span of time between archaeological evidence and settlement names recorded in writing.

The megalithic tomb in Rethen

The megalithic tomb in Rethen is listed as a standalone monument, dates from the Middle Neolithic and is historically significant. Its remains have been made accessible to visitors, and the monument has been opened to the public. An information pillar at the megalithic tomb was inaugurated in July 2000. This connects the monument’s archaeological context with a dedicated point of reference on site.

St. Nicolai: Construction history and furnishings

The present nave of St. Nicolai Rethen was built in 1901 to a design by Eduard Wendebourg. The tower may date from the 13th or 14th century, so this remains a cautious estimate. The nave and tower reflect different periods of construction.

Preserved details of the furnishings also tell the story of the previous church. The pulpit has been preserved and bears the coat of arms of the Lords of Rethen. There is also part of the gallery balustrade, bearing names and a date. A stained-glass window in the choir depicts Christ as Judge of the World. At St. Nicolai, architectural history, memorials and religious imagery thus sit side by side.

Events and Eickenhof products

Rethener Dorfleben adds occasional events to Rethen’s cultural offerings. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance.

The Eickenhof range includes asparagus, geese, strawberries, raspberries, tulip bulbs and cut tulips; the product range may vary with the seasons. Since 2007, six farming families from Papenteich have organized the cultivation and marketing of Eickenhof products. The selection therefore includes both food and flowers and flower bulbs. The seasonal nature of the range is a useful detail when planning a trip, but it does not make it possible to infer fixed dates for individual products.

Gifhorn as a regional setting

Beyond the individual local histories, the Gifhorn district offers its own natural and walking context. Numerous themed trails and nature trails are promoted there. The district’s landscape includes heathland, forests, moorland, rivers and lakes; it is also home to the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. When planning your trip, you can choose between focusing on historical local points of reference and taking a broader look at nature and landscapes across the district.

Discover more destinations: Hagen, Brechtorf, Sassenburg, Rühen, Ribbesbüttel, Bergfeld, Brome, Wittingen

Go to the main travel overview: Gifhorn.