Dreaming of a farm by the forest? That’s essentially the meaning behind the name Witzhave. We’re standing in Witzhave, a municipality in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It is a place with a history stretching back to the early Stone Age.
Witzhave’s story is quite interesting. Imagine this area thousands of years ago. Even then people called this place home. Fast forward to the Bronze Age. Construction workers building a highway in 1938 unearthed burial objects. Among them, a robe clasp. This clasp is now proudly displayed on Witzhave’s coat of arms.
In 1248, Witzhave appeared in records as “Witeshove”. Around 1300, the counts of Holstein sold it to Reinbek monastery. The monastery built a chapel here. Sadly, it fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1609.
Picture heavy freight wagons rumbling through Witzhave. This was a key stop on the trade route between Hamburg and Lubeck. Four to six horses would pull these wagons. However, this road also saw troop movements. Villagers had to provide shelter and supplies to soldiers and their horses. Looting often followed these troop visits.
Construction of the Bundesautobahn 24 began in 1938. World War II halted progress. Work resumed in 1980. By November 12, 1982, the highway section crossing Witzhave was finally open.
Witzhave gained national attention in 1996. Two members of a far-left terrorist group were arrested here. They were stopped on Möllner Landstraße. The road was shut down due to claims their car contained explosives.
Did you know parts of a Tatort episode were filmed in Witzhave in 2022?
As of 2021, Witzhave had a population of 1,567. The median age was 44.8. In 2011, most residents, 97.8%, held only German citizenship.
Interestingly, Witzhave was without a church for long stretches. From 1609 to 1968 and again since 2013. The church inaugurated in 1968 closed in 2013. Today, this building serves as the village’s cultural center. It hosts gatherings and events.
Jens Feldhusen of the WW is the current mayor. In the 2023 elections, his party, the WW, won the most seats.
Witzhave may be small. But its history is rich. From ancient settlements to modern-day events, Witzhave has witnessed much. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.