Pahlen | |
|---|---|
 Coat of arms | |
 Location of Pahlen | |
  Pahlen  Pahlen | |
| Coordinates:54°16′N9°17′E / 54.267°N 9.283°E /54.267; 9.283 | |
| Country | Germany |
| State | Schleswig-Holstein |
| District | Dithmarschen |
| Municipal assoc. | Kirchspielslandgemeinden Eider |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Marten Voß |
| Area | |
• Total | 10.8 km2 (4.2 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Population (2023-12-31)[1] | |
• Total | 1,160 |
| • Density | 107/km2 (278/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| Postal codes | 25794 |
| Dialling codes | 04803 |
| Vehicle registration | HEI, MED |
| Website | www.gemeinde-pahlen.de |
Pahlen (German pronunciation:[ˈpaːlən]Low German pronunciation:[ˈpɑːlən] ) is a municipality in the district ofDithmarschen,Schleswig-Holstein, located in northern Germany. It is situated along the Eider River within theHeide-Itzehoe Geest natural area. The village, which has been an important settlement for centuries, had population of 1,153 as of December 2022.
The coat of arms of Pahlen features three golden floating rounded stakes, symbolizing the name derived from Pfahl (stake). A lapwing and a silver boat are also depicted, with a wavy silver line dividing the symbols, representing theEider River.[2]
Pahlen lies in the northern part of theHeide-Itzehoe Geest natural area, stretching along theEider River. The village's northern boundary runs parallel to the river, contributing to its accessibility for water-based activities.[3]
The municipality includes the central village of Pahlen, which also serves as thechurch village. Additionally, Pahlen encompasses the settlements of Pahlhude and Klumpen.[4]
Pahlen shares borders with the municipalities of:
Pahlen's history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered for the role of abishop's seat. In 1065,Adam of Bremen referenced the village under the name "Palmis" in his *Gesta Hammaburgensis ecclesiae pontificum*, indicating its ecclesiastical significance at the time. The village's name is thought to be derived from the word *Pfahl* (stake), with hypotheses suggesting that early structures in the region may have been built on stilts or stakes due to the area's swampy nature.[6]
During the Middle Ages and up until the 19th century, Pahlen was a small agricultural village. The discovery of clay deposits in the early 20th century transformed the area into an industrial hub with brickworks and cement factories, including in the Pahlhude area, which became an important harbor.[citation needed] It was once the most important harbor on the Schleswig-Holstein west coast between 1840 and 1910, located on the oldEider Canal, the predecessor of theKiel Canal.[6][7]
In the 1930s, the village saw significantindustrial decline, largely due to the aftermath of theFirst World War and the construction of theKiel Canal, which led to fewer people using theEider Canal. As a result, the establishment of Pahlhude as an independent community faded. Today, Pahlen remains a primarilyresidential area, with a few agricultural businesses and a growing tourism industry. The name Pahlen has several historical interpretations, including connections to both stakes used for defense and to the surroundingwetland areas.[6]
Pahlhude, once a key part of Pahlen, had 960 residents in 1925. It featureda district railway station with a two-stall locomotive shed, water tower, and loading tracks, which were vital for transporting goods, particularly from the cement factories and harbor. The railway line connectingHeide to the harbor at Pahlhude was essential for boosting regional trade, including the exchange of grain between trains and ships.[8][9]
By the late 1920s, the station's role began to decline as the cement factories closed, leading to reduced industrial activity. Despite this, the railway had a lasting impact on the region, improving access to the remote eastern municipalities. Today, Pahlhude's industrial legacy serves as a reminder of the village's central role in the area's economy during its peak years.[10][11]
The municipality is governed by amunicipal council, which holds elections every five years. In the most recent election held on May 14, 2023, voter turnout was 62.0%. TheCDU secured six of the 11 council seats, while the Pahlen Voters' Association (WGP) won five.[12]
Municipal election on May 14, 2023
Voter turnout: 62.0 percent
| Party | Percentage |
|---|---|
| CDU | 52.6 |
| WGP | 47.4 |
Pahlen is home to several cultural monuments, several of which are registered as cultural heritage sites by the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The Tielenburg, a medieval fortification, is one such landmark.[13][14]
The economy of Pahlen is largely based on agriculture, particularlydairy farming. The village also benefits from its proximity to theEider River, which supports local boating activities. The two sports boat harbors, Westhafen and Pahlen Sportboothafen, are destinations for water sports enthusiasts.[citation needed]
In recent years,[when?] tourism has been a growing sector due to Pahlen's natural setting and opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and canoeing along the Eider-Treene-Sorge cycling route.[15]
Pahlen is connected to neighboring towns and regions through the Schleswig-Holstein State Road 172. The village is accessible to nearby towns such asHeide,Husum, andRendsburg. TheEider River is crossed by thePahlen drawbridge, which serves as a critical infrastructure link for the area.[citation needed]
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