Wiesenau

Had the cheeky Krebs (crab) not outsmarted the fox, Wiesenau might have been known by a completely different name. We’re standing in Wiesenau, a municipality in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg, Germany. Its history stretches back to 1368, when it was first documented as “zcu der Krebisguche.” This unusual name, which translates to “crab soup” or “crab stew,” later evolved into “Krebsjauche” before finally becoming Wiesenau in 1919. The old name, Krebsjauche, has a charming folk tale associated with it. Legend has it that a crab and a fox challenged each other to a race. The overconfident fox strolled leisurely, while the crab cleverly clung to the fox’s tail. Just before the finish line, the crab pinched the fox’s tail, propelling itself forward to victory. The crab’s triumphant cry, “Krebsjuchhe!” is said to have inspired the village’s original name. Wiesenau’s history is deeply intertwined with beekeeping. For centuries, it was the heart of the Zeidler guild, a group of traditional honey and beeswax gatherers. The Zeidlerkirmes, a festival celebrating this heritage, dates back to at least 1893 and continues to be celebrated annually on or around June 24th. From 1815 to 1947, Wiesenau was part of the Prussian Province of Brandenburg. After World War II, it became part of East Germany, first within the State of Brandenburg and later the Bezirk Frankfurt. Since 1990, Wiesenau has been part of the reunited Germany, within the state of Brandenburg. Today, Wiesenau is a quiet village of about 1200 residents, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of eastern Brandenburg. Its convenient location near the B112 and the RB 43 and RE 10 train lines makes it easily accessible from Frankfurt (Oder) and Cottbus. While the bustling days of the Zeidler guild may be over, the spirit of the clever crab and the sweet scent of honey still linger in Wiesenau’s air.