Happy TravellerWelcome to Geesthacht, the largest city in the District of the Duchy of Lauenburg in Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany. Located just 34 kilometers southeast of Hamburg on the right bank of the River Elbe, Geesthacht is a hidden gem that offers a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture.
Geesthacht has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the year 800 when a church was built in the area. The town was first mentioned in 1216 as Hachede and was a part of the Duchy of Saxony. In 1296, Geesthacht became a part of the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg and was pawned to the Free City of Lübeck in 1370. Geesthacht was ceded as part of a condominium to the Hanseatic cities Hamburg and Lübeck by the Peace of Perleberg in 1420. In the 1860s, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel established a glycerin factory in Geesthacht and invented dynamite, with Krümmel becoming the first dynamite factory in the world.
Today, Geesthacht is a major energy and scientific research center, with the Krümmel Nuclear Power Plant and a 120 MW pumped storage hydroelectrical plant situated within a few hundred meters of the nuclear power plant. The city also has a small wind and solar plants that produce electricity or pump water.
Geesthacht is a great destination for travelers who love the outdoors. The city has an open-air swimming pool at the Elbe, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. The city is also home to the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, a research institute that conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of materials science, coastal research, and regenerative medicine.
For those who love the arts, Geesthacht has the Kleines Theater Schillerstrasse, a small art meeting and cinema that showcases the best of local and international talent. The city also has the Krügersches Haus, a permanent exhibition that relates the history of the city.
Geesthacht is twinned with Kuldīga, Latvia, Midden-Groningen, Netherlands, and Plaisir, France. The city is also the birthplace of philosopher Joachim Ritter and music producer Frank Peterson.
Come and discover the many treasures of Geesthacht, a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or the arts, Geesthacht is a destination that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
