Have you ever wondered about the story behind this seemingly quiet village? This is Niehuus. It is a place steeped in history near Flensburg. Today, we will explore its past.
Niehuus gets its name from the Burg Niehuus. The Burg Niehuus once stood in the Krusau-Tunneltal. Niehuus was first mentioned in 1371. The Niehuussee is located near the village.
Let’s journey back to around 1345. Graf Klaus von Holstein-Rendsburg ordered the construction of Burg Niehuus. It became a key part of Flensburg’s defense system. Graf Klaus and his brother Heinrich feared an invasion by the Danish King Waldemar IV. They were responsible for guarding Schleswig.
Imagine the bustling activity around the Krumme Weg. This road passed by Niehuus. It linked Flensburg to the Ochsenweg. The Ochsenweg was a major medieval trade route through Jutland. Burg Niehuus was not only a fortress. It also served as a toll station. Merchants and pilgrims had to pay tolls here. They were traveling to holy sites like Rome and Jerusalem.
In 1365, Hermann Wonsflet paid 150 marks to the Schauenburg counts at Niehuus. In 1423, there was a complaint about the toll charged at Burg Niehuus. The King’s Vogt demanded eight shillings per ox.
Burg Niehuus played a crucial role during the construction of the Duburg. The Duburg was built above Flensburg’s western city center. Niehuus protected this new, larger castle to the south. Lorentz v. Heesten was the only known captain of Niehuus around 1405 to 1409. Burg Niehuus was destroyed in 1431.
Today, only traces of Burg Niehuus remain. The castle hill is still visible. It shows where the Motte-style castle stood. The main tower had a base area of 40 by 30 meters. It was surrounded by a semi-circular wall. This wall measured 120 by 80 meters.
The Krumme Weg is still here. It connects the castle site to Rønsdam. Rønsdam is a border town 800 meters to the north. A wooden bridge once crossed the Krusau River. It was replaced by a stone bridge in 1800. The Gendarmstien and Jakobsweg pass by the castle site.
Niehuus also has a more recent history. In 1741, school lessons were held in a “Hirtenkate”. In 1912, the Niehuus school burned down due to a chimney fire. The school was rebuilt in 1913.
In 1904, the Niehuus Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded. It still exists today. In 1938, Niehuus became part of Harrislee. This happened during the Nazi era. The local mayors were not consulted.
In 1955, a war memorial was dedicated to those who died in World War II. In the mid-1950s, the Niehuus Chapel and cemetery were built. The Niehuus school closed in 1967. Niehuus celebrated its 600th anniversary in 1971. A memorial stone was erected in the village center.
Today, Niehuus is accessible via a few small roads. The Niehuuser Straße is the main road. It connects to Flensburg’s northern district. The Niehuus Fire Brigade has partnered with Bov in Denmark for 50 years. The small cemetery chapel is a protected cultural monument.
As we conclude our visit to Niehuus. Remember its strategic importance. From its medieval origins to its role in local governance. Niehuus stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this border region.