When is the town of Hohenwestedt not really Hohenwestedt? It’s sort of a trick question, because Hohenwestedt is always its name, but these days (since January 2012) it’s the “seat” of Amt Mittelholstein, a collective municipality of some 29 other villages, hamlets, and towns.
Yes, it can be confusing, but Hohenwestedt itself is just a small part of it — only 18.18 square kilometers, located between Rendsburg and Itzehoe.
Its wonderful northern Germany location makes it a perfect place to explore around the region, taking you to places like the Kiel Canal (where you can wave to passing ships), or to the Eiszeit Museum in nearby Lütjenburg that’s all about the Ice Age. You know, like woolly mammoths and such.
A bit closer to home in Hohenwestedt is the Muschelhaus, known as the Shell House for its shell decorations on the place. There’s even a Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) here in town, detailing much of the regions history (like the Bronze Age artifacts found), along with art and other exhibits.
As nice as that all is, Hohenwestedt’s landmark is the Peter-Paul Church, a grand design of late 18th century architecture. And over by the Rathaus (Town Hall) is the Utroper monument, in honor of the Ochsenweg — an interesting scenic route of prehistoric proportions.
Another way to experience the great outdoors here in Hohenwestedt is to cycle along one of its fifteen bicycle trails. They’re themed, so your choice if you want to hit up the Ice Age Route, the Stone Age Route, or the Antique Route (to just name a few). Oh, plus you’ve got the Aukrug Nature Park to explore while you’re out and about, too.
Yeah, that’s all fine and dandy, but the real highlight of Hohenwestedt is the Mittelalterspectaculum, held every year at Pentecost (May or June). It’s kind of like a Renaissance Faire, with jousting, jugglers, knights in shining armor, and fair maidens. It’s a whole lotta fun that’ll take you back to the Middle Ages, with all the modern conveniences.
I doubt I could’ve survived without indoor plumbing. ;-)
And I don’t think they had the Käsestraße back then either. The Schleswig-Holstein Cheese Route meets up near Hohenwestedt, so while you’re out exploring the region, you certainly can eat the most delicious cheeses (and other farm-fresh goodies) in the pretty countryside.
So, I guess it doesn’t really matter what name Hohenwestedt goes by — it’s just a wonderful place to be in North Germany. Isn’t that what anyone really needs to know?