“Nordenham’s Midgard seaport Germany’s largest privately owned harbor” That’s quite a claim isn’t it?
Let’s explore Nordenham a town nestled on the west bank of the Weser River. It’s a town with a rich history spanning centuries. Nordenham didn’t always exist. It grew from the village of Atens. A clever merchant named Wilhelm Müller traded cattle and sheep to England in the late 19th century. This trade boosted Atens’s economy. It eventually led to the development of Nordenham.
Some of Nordenham’s oldest parts are the terp villages of Blexen Einswarden and Atens. Blexen boasts a significant historical marker. Bishop Willehad a missionary died there in 789. This event is often cited as Blexen’s founding year. The area has seen conflict. In 1407 Bremen built the Vredeborch a fortified house. It was meant to protect Bremen’s interests. The structure was destroyed in 1425. Later Wilhelm Müller built his farmhouse and restaurant there. A community hall stands there today.
Between 1499 and 1514 the County of Oldenburg conquered the region. Napoleon’s army also left its mark. In 1813 they shot ten local inhabitants near Blexen’s church. Nordenham officially became a town on May 1 1908. Since 1955 it’s been an independent town in the Wesermarsch district.
Government industrialization programs in the 1960s and 70s transformed Nordenham. Industries such as Premium AEROTEC (airplane construction) and chemical companies set up plants. The nuclear power plant near Esenshamm is often mistakenly associated with Nordenham. It actually belongs to the neighboring borough of Stadland. Dairy farming and tourism are also significant aspects of Nordenham’s economy.
Nordenham’s location presents transportation challenges. There’s a ferry to Bremerhaven at Blexen. However its passenger numbers have declined since the Weser tunnel opened. The town is connected to regional roads through Bundesstraße 212. This connects to Bundesstraße 437 offering access to motorways. RegionalExpress trains also serve Nordenham. It’s part of the Bremen S-Bahn network.
Nordenham’s Midgard seaport plays a crucial role in its economy. Many of its residents work in industrial companies. Prysmian Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke Premium Aerotec and Rhenus Midgard are prominent. Kronos Titan Xstrata and NKT Cables contribute significantly.
Nordenham is a place of contrasts. It combines a long history with modern industrial development. The town holds a special place in history. It stands at the mouth of the Weser River. It showcases a unique blend of past and present. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. Remember Nordenham’s Midgard seaport the largest privately-owned harbor in Germany.