Up here near the Danish border in Schleswig-Holstein, you’ll find a typical (as if that’s truly possible) German town that’s made up of some smaller villages — but there is more to it than that. While the town itself was “created” in 2013 (combining old names into a new one), you’ll find all kinds of wondrous things, from prehistoric megalithic tombs to old churches.
Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that there’s some amazing landscape to look at along the way. I don’t see anything wrong with hiking around the bogs, or streets framed by thatch roofed cottages. And there’s nothing wrong with doing a little fishing at places like the Südensee — an Ice Age lake that’s also fun for swimming.
Also here in the great northern German outdoors are those prehistoric graves I mentioned. When the Großensteingrab was found in the 19th century in the neighboring forest, experts found it to date back to around 3500/2800 B.C. And us modern-day folks think we’re the smart ones… These prehistoric guys knew a good thing when they saw it.
I know a gosh-darn pretty church when I see one. Over in the village of Sörup is the Church of St. Mary. Built in the 12th century, St. Mary’s is a granite stone construction, but don’t let the tower fool you into thinking it’s as old as the original — it’s really a Gothic design.
As old as Sörup is to have a proper medieval church, the place has been quite the contender in the Unser Dorf hat Zukunft, or Our Village has a Future, competition.
Over in the village of Schnarup-Thumby is another medieval church, a Romanesque one from the 13th century; it also has a pulpit that’s pushing some 400 years old. Imagine all the sermons it’s heard over the years…
It sure is a lot of history, wouldn’t you say? I’d also say there’s a good deal of history to be learned in places like the Village Museum over in Dammholm.
Mittelangeln isn’t a one museum town, just so you know. The Obstmuseum Pomarium Anglicum is all about delicious fruit. Of course fruit is worthy of its own museum, before you even ask.
Just as I think Mittelangeln is worthy enough for you to come visit. Hope to see ya here. ;-)
