In the 15th century four adjoining villages decided to build a church in the "middle of the heath".

The exact foundation date is now unknown, but by 1447 Heide was already the main village of Dithmarschen.

Heide has the largest un-built-upon market square in Germany, with 4.7 hectares.

The association soccer club Heider SV plays in the Oberliga Schleswig-Holstein (V).

There are some notable educational institutes in the town There is a twinning between Kreis Dithmarschen and Restormel Borough Council.