Reihendorf


The Reihendorf or Hufendorf is the name used of a particular form of linear settlement in German-speaking countries that is characterized by rows of houses situated along a linear object such as a riverbank, road, valley, or stream.

Description

Reihendörfer may consist of a one or two rows of houses or farmsteads; the latter being arranged either side of the village street. The farmland associated with each dwelling is adjacent to it, which has the advantage of saving time and reducing the effort involved in transportation. The farm can be worked just outside the farmyard or within it e.g. manure can be readily transported from stall to field and the harvest can be easily brought in to the barns. The farmers also have better oversight of their land.
A Reihendorf does not usually have common land.

Types

Specific forms of Reihendorf include the Straßendorf, which is an elongated village that runs along a road, the Waldhufendorf, typical of forest clearings, the Marschhufendorf, found in marshland, and the Hagenhufendorf, which runs along one side of a river.