Neuwerk
 Neuwerk | |
  Neuwerk | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Sea, Elbe mouth |
| Area | 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi) |
| Country | |
|
Germany | |
| State | Hamburg |
| Borough | Hamburg-Mitte |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 39 (as of (2007-12-31)) |
| Density | 13 /km2 (34 /sq mi) |
Neuwerk (3 km², 39 inhabitants) is a Wadden Sea island on the German North Sea coast. Administratively, it forms a homonymous quarter of the city of Hamburg, Germany, which is part of the borough Hamburg-Mitte. This quarter includes the nearby uninhabited islands Scharhörn and Nigehörn. It is located northwest of Cuxhaven, between the Weser and Elbe estuaries. The distance to Hamburg's center is about 120 km.
During low tide the island can be reached on foot or by horse carriages from Cuxhaven, at other times by ship.
The smaller islands Scharhörn and Nigehörn are bird sanctuaries, closed to the public. All three islands and the Wadden Sea around them form the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park.
History
The oldest existing document that mentions Neuwerk is a Frisian contract of 1316, where its old name Nige O is used.
Since the Elbe river was vital to the Hanseatic League's member Hamburg, in 1299 a 35 meter tower was built as lighthouse and protection against pirates. The lighthouse existing today was built between 1367 and 1369 after a fire destroyed the earlier one. It is Hamburg's oldest existing building as well as Hamburg's last fortification.
Due to the Greater Hamburg Law Neuwerk became part of Prussia in 1937, and thus after World War II it was given to the new state of Lower Saxony. In 1969 Hamburg waived older rights on harbour estate in Cuxhaven in favour of Neuwerk and Scharhörn.[1]
In the early 20th century, tourism became important for Neuwerk.
Demographics
On 31 December 2007, Neuwerk quarter had 39 inhabitants, 26 female and 13 males. 11 were resident aliens.[2]
Notes
- ↑ Law about the agreement with the state Lower Saxony ... (in German)
- ↑ Statistische Berichte A I 1 - j/07 H (in German), Statistisches Amt für Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein, 2008-09-11, retrieved 2009-10-31
External links
Media related to Neuwerk at Wikimedia Commons
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Coordinates: 53°55′N 8°30′E / 53.917°N 8.500°E