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Welcome to Heide
Heide is a charming North German town. The earliest documentary evidence of the existence of Heide dates from the year 1434, in which the place is refered to as “Uppe de Heyde”. As early as 1447, Heide had become – mainly because of its enormous market place -(with an area of 4.7ha, still the largest in Germany today) – the meeting place of the aldermen and thereby the capital of Dithmarschen. In today’s language, Heide is the administrative and cultural center of Dithmarschen, situated on the ‘Gruene Kuestenstrasse’ (Green Coastal Road) in the delightful countryside of Schleswig-Holstein. We recommend the following tour through our town and hope you enjoy these historic sites.
The Market Square in Heide (Heider Marktplatz)
The Market Square, the largest market square in Germany, is the heart of the town where all the main festivities and celebrations are held. Every Saturday the locals gather here for a chat and gossip, while the tourists prefer to stroll through the traditional weekly market with its many colourful stalls and great selection of merchandise. There are also seasonal markets – especially at Christmas time.
market square
St Juergen Church (St Jürgen Kirche)
The church is the oldest building in Heide and is named after St George. (Juergen translated into English is George). The foundation walls of the church originate from the year 1559. The tower was built in 1611 and a turret was added on in 1717. The south nave was completed in 1696. The tower clock shows the date 1540. There are many old grave stones in the churchyard, which is well worth a visit. The sundial at the south side bears an inscription which translates into “My time is in your hands”
St Juergen Church
Watertower – (Wasserturm)
The water tower has become a land mark in the town. A central water supply system was required in 1902/03 when Heide experienced a Typhoid epidemic and a water tower was built. It is 45,7mtr high and holds 250 cubic mtr water. It is surrounded by an attractively laid out lake.
watertower
Brahmshaus
At Luettenheid you will find the family home of the famous composer Johannes Brahms. In 1990 Yehudi Menuhin opened the newly renovated house which is nowadays used for exhibitions and various cultural activities.
house of Brahms
Shoemaker Village – (Schuhmacherort)
At the north eastern corner of the square is found the street ‘Schuhmacherort’. A small statue of a boy cobbler leads the way into the street where , previously, bootmakers would carry out their trade. In 1846 there were many tanneries as well as 158 bootmakers. Together they employed 166 apprentices and repaired all sorts of leather goods.
Klaus-Groth-Museum
One of the greatest sons of Heide, the poet Klaus Groth (1819-1899) lived in Luettenheid at No. 48. For many years he was a teacher here and became known by his collection of poems in Plattdeutsch (a north German dialect). His most well known poem was “Quickborn”. Today the house is a Museum. Amongst the items on display – is the library of the poet as well as a large collection of private notes including some from his friend Johannes Brahms.
The Heider Marktfrieden (The festival of market freedom)
This festival is a great historical festival and is a reminder of the citizen assemblies of the free Farmers Republic of Dithmarschen.It has become a fantastic late middle age spectacle, which is held every other year on the first weekend in July. On that weekend you can experience Dithmarschen as it was 500 years ago. The entire market Square is full of kiosks, stalls, jugglers and musicians. There are open fires representing domestic cooking in the past. Lots of beer is served in large beer mugs. Beyond the stalls you can watch horses, horse carriages and a genuine country wedding as well as an open air play. Everyone is invited to participate with the locals coming in historic costume. The idea is let yourself be carried along by the friendly atmosphere. Next event: 15. - 18. July 2010.
festival of market freedom
Black Guard
