Just a fifteen minute “normal” drive (it’s not like you’re traveling on the Autobahn, right?) from the Baltic Sea is Ahrensbök. This is a place where simple everyday life is the norm; and the place has some pretty amazing countryside to look at while you’re off exploring this part of Schleswig-Holstein.
The most likely place where you’ll meet these regular everyday folks is Ahrensbök’s Weekly Market, a town institution since 1832. Don’t worry… all the market’s produce, cheeses, and flowers are totally fresh.
With your belly full you’re ready to make your way around town.
Everyone stops to see the former Carthusian Monastery which has been a resident here since 1397. Another church you’ll want to see is the old Pilgrimage Chapel that was built in 1280.
You can easily break up your trips around Ahrensbök walking around the forested countryside or hikes passing through rolling fields. Done? Good, now it’s back to the business of more sightseeing.
For you castle loving travelers Ahrensbök’s got them. You’ve got Castle Hoppenbrook and the Rathaus (built 1826) is on the site of a former castle. Then there are the ruins of Turmhügelburg Havekost. I know, it’s a mighty big word, but no need to try and say it, just see it.
I should say, kind of see it because its moat makes it inaccessible. Use a wee bit of imagination to picture how this 13th century castle (built on a site of an even older one) looked before it was totally destroyed in the 15th century. Hey, no one ever said life in the Middle Ages was a walk in the park, did they?
A trip to Ahrensbök’s Local History Museum is also a great way to learn more about the castles and everyday life. There’s an 18th century farm (with carp ponds) that’ll be just as informative.
If you’re on a trip following 20th century history, Ahrensbök was the site of an Auschwitz satellite camp. A memorial stands to those who died in April 1945 during the camp’s death march.
Whatever the reason you’ve chosen to come to Ahrensbök, you’ll love all its history, culture, and castles all the same — even if you had to get here by driving at a normal speed.;-)
