Wedel, Schleswig-Holstein

View from the water tower of Wedel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wedel_Blick_vom_Wasserturm.jpg
Author: Uwe Barghaan


Wedel is a town in the district of Pinneberg, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, in northern Germany. It covers 34 sq km (13 sq mi) and has a population of 32,000 people (2012 estimate).

Wedel is located on the right bank of the river Elbe. It is 17 km (11 mi) to the west of Hamburg. The town goes back to 1212, though archaeological artifacts provide proof of habitation going back even earlier.

Wedel developed during the medieval period as a center for ox trade in northern Germany. The ox market functions in the spring. Within a period of several weeks, as many as 30,000 head of cattle were traded. During this period, Wedel was under Danish rule though it had a large German population. However in 1848, the Germans rebelled against Danish rule, and in 1864, with the defeat of the Danes, Wedel came under the Kingdom of Prussia.

During the Second World War, Wedel had a concentration camp. After the war, Wedel experienced large-scale reconstruction, including the garden city of Elbhochufer, said to be the largest and most ambitious reconstruction project in Germany.

Wedel Fire Station
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wedel_Spritzenhaus.jpg
Author: Uwe Barghaan

How to go to Wedel

From Hamburg, take Highway 431 heading west to reach Wedel.

Places of Interest in Wedel

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