Coat of Arms – Steinburg
The coat of arms of Kreis Steinburg features a silver castle with three blue-roofed turrets, set against a red background above blue waves. Below the castle’s battlements, there are three shields:
- A blue shield depicting a silver and gold-robed Christ figure with a golden halo, raising his right hand in blessing and holding a red globe with a golden cross in his left hand.
- A red shield with a silver nettle leaf.
- A red shield with a silver swan in a ready-to-fly position, wearing a golden crown around its neck.
The coat of arms was officially granted on July 30, 1928, by the Prussian State Ministry and was designed by Max Kahlke, an expressionist painter and graphic artist from Glückstadt.
History: Kreis Steinburg was established in 1867 following the incorporation of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the Prussian state, as part of the administrative reorganization at the time. Its core area comprised the former Steinburg office, which included the Wilster and Kremper marshes, expanded to include the geest areas north of Itzehoe. The district retained its original boundaries until 1970, when it was enlarged by seventeen municipalities from the neighboring Kreis Rendsburg. The current coat of arms, in use since 1928, is derived from the seal of the same-named office from before 1864, which also featured a castle. The prominent castle imagery refers to the “Steinburg” (stone castle), which gave both the office and district their name. This structure, first mentioned in 1307, was located on the Kremper Au and initially served as the seat of the castle bailiff, later the royal office’s administrator.
The three shields on the castle wall represent the main regions of the old office:
- The Christ figure (“Salvator mundi”) comes from the seal of the Wilster Marsh community.
- The crowned swan, also used by Stormarn, symbolizes the Kremper Marsh community.
- The nettle leaf represents the third major area, the Holstein geest, with the district capital Itzehoe.
The blue waves at the base of the coat of arms symbolize the Steinburg as a water castle, the course of the Stör River through the district, and the southern boundary formed by the Elbe River.
The Hanseatic League City of Itzehoe: Historical and Current-Day
Historical View
Itzehoe, the capital of Kreis Steinburg, is one of the oldest towns in Schleswig-Holstein, with roots tracing back to the early medieval period. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading confederation that dominated northern European commerce from the 13th to the 15th century. While Itzehoe was not a full-fledged Hanseatic city like Lübeck or Hamburg, it played a supporting role in the League’s network due to its strategic location on the Stör River, a navigable tributary of the Elbe, facilitating trade between the Baltic and North Seas.
Founded around 1000 with the construction of Echeho Castle in the Stör’s meander, Itzehoe emerged as a trading town favored by privileges such as the Lübeck rights in 1238, which granted freedom from customs duties—a rare honor also extended to Hamburg at the time. By 1260, it gained staple rights, allowing goods to be stored and traded, positioning it as a hub for salt, cloth, and grain trades within the broader Hanseatic network. Although not a major Hanseatic center, Itzehoe benefited from the League’s economic influence, trading with regions like Jutland, Flanders, and Denmark, and contributing to east-west commerce across Europe. Its medieval character was marked by landmarks like the 12th-century St. Lawrence Church and a convent founded in 1256, reflecting its role as a regional trade node.
However, the Hanseatic League’s dominance began to wane by the late 15th century, ultimately leading to its decline by the 17th century. Several factors contributed to its downfall, including rising competition from emerging maritime powers like England, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, which developed their own naval and commercial capabilities. The discovery of new trade routes, particularly to the Americas in the 16th century, shifted economic focus away from the Baltic and North Sea routes that the League dominated. Internal conflicts among member cities, as well as the rise of nation-states that absorbed or rivaled Hanseatic towns, weakened the League’s loose confederation structure, which lacked a permanent governing body, treasury, or military. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century further fragmented the League, as religious strife divided member cities, such as Lübeck, and strained diplomatic relations with neighboring regions of differing confessions.
For Itzehoe, the decline of the Hanseatic League had a measurable but not devastating impact. While it never held the status of a major Hanseatic port, its trade privileges and economic ties to the League diminished as alternative trade routes and competitors emerged. The loss of Hanseatic protection against piracy and toll privileges reduced its role as a regional trading hub, leading to economic stagnation in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town faced challenges like those during the Thirty Years’ War (1644 and 1657), when Swedish forces destroyed parts of Itzehoe, exacerbating its economic difficulties in the post-Hanseatic era. Under Danish rule until 1864, and later Prussian control after the Second Schleswig War, Itzehoe’s medieval trading prominence faded, but its Hanseatic legacy persisted in its architectural heritage and trade-oriented identity.
Current-Day Itzehoe
As of February 2025, Itzehoe remains a dynamic city with a population of approximately 32,500, located 51 km northwest of Hamburg and 24 km north of Glückstadt. It continues to serve as the administrative heart of Steinburg, blending its historical Hanseatic roots with modernity. The city’s location on the Stör River supports recreational activities, such as cycling tours along the river and long-distance paths like the Ochsenweg and Mönchsweg, attracting tourists to its green marshes and geest landscapes.
Economically, Itzehoe has evolved into a high-tech center, driven by the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) and the InnoQuarter industrial estate on its northern edge. This focus on silicon technology and innovation has positioned Itzehoe as a key player in northern Germany’s tech sector, hosting research facilities and attracting businesses in chip manufacturing and related industries. The city’s pedestrian zone, one of the longest on Germany’s west coast, features medium-sized retailers and craftspeople, preserving a traditional commercial vibe while supporting local economies.
Culturally, Itzehoe celebrates its history through sites like the Wenzel Hablik Museum, dedicated to the German Expressionist artist who settled there in 1907, and its medieval landmarks. Music thrives, with the city known for the “Metal Shuttle Bus” transporting visitors to the Wacken Open Air festival, Europe’s premier heavy metal event, as well as offerings in jazz, orchestra, and choir performances. The restoration of the Stör River bend, approved by residents in 2021 and progressing with plans presented in 2023, aims to enhance the cityscape, reconnecting Itzehoe with its riverine heritage and boosting tourism.
While Itzehoe’s direct Hanseatic role faded with the League’s decline in the 17th century, its historical connection is honored through cultural events and its proximity to major Hanseatic cities like Hamburg and Lübeck. The city’s Hanseatic legacy is evident in its trading history, architectural remnants like Brick Gothic structures, and its role as a regional center, while its modern identity reflects innovation, culture, and sustainability, making it a bridge between past and present in northern Germany.
Top 3 in Steinburg
The Steinburg district, located west of Hamburg in Schleswig-Holstein, is known for its scenic river landscapes, historical sites, and agricultural heritage along the Elbe and Stör rivers. Here are the top three most interesting places to visit:
- Itzehoe Old Town: Steinburg’s largest town and administrative center, Itzehoe, boasts a charming old town with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the Gothic St. Laurentii Church from the 13th century. The historic market square, lined with cafes and shops, reflects its medieval roots, while the nearby Itzehoe Castle ruins offer panoramic views of the Stör River, making it a cultural and scenic highlight.
- Elbe River Cycle Path (Elberadweg): Running through Steinburg along the Elbe River, this popular cycling route stretches over 60 kilometers within the district, offering stunning views of the river, marshlands, and historic dikes. It’s a paradise for cyclists and nature lovers, with opportunities to spot migratory birds and enjoy the peaceful countryside, connecting Steinburg to Hamburg and beyond.
- Krempe Castle (Schloss Krempe): Located in the small town of Krempe, this well-preserved Renaissance castle, built in the 16th century, is a gem of Steinburg’s historical heritage. Surrounded by a moat and set amid rolling farmland, it now houses a museum exploring the region’s history and offers guided tours, gardens, and cultural events, attracting history buffs and families alike.
Bonus Tip for Kreis Steinburg
- Bismarck Tower in Hohenlockstedt
- Perched on a modest hill in Hohenlockstedt (about 80 meters above sea level), this 1903-built tower is a sleeper hit. It’s a 20-meter stone tribute to Otto von Bismarck, with a spiral staircase leading to a killer view over the rolling Steinburg countryside—think forests, fields, and a glimpse of the Stör River valley. It’s off the beaten path, free to visit, and has a rustic picnic vibe if you bring a snack. Locals call it a mini-adventure, and it’s a great blog nugget for history buffs or anyone craving a quick, scenic detour.
Kreis Steinburg: Overview
The Kreis Steinburg (Steinburg District) was established in 1867 following the incorporation of the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the Prussian state. The district’s core area was formed from the former Amt Steinburg, which included the Wüster Marsh and Kremper Marsh, along with the Geest areas north of Itzehoe. The district remained largely unchanged until 1970, when it expanded to include 17 communities from the neighboring Kreis Rendsburg.
Coat of Arms of Steinburg
The coat of arms of Steinburg was officially granted on 30 July 1928 by the Prussian State Ministry. It features:
- A red shield with blue waves at the base, symbolizing the district’s connection to water, particularly the Stör River and the Elbe River to the south.
- Above the waves is a silver (white) castle with three blue-roofed towers, representing the Steinburg, a historic castle that gave the district its name. The castle was first mentioned in 1307 and served as the administrative seat for the region.
- Below the castle’s battlements are three small shields:
- Left Shield: A blue shield depicting Christ as “Salvator Mundi” (Savior of the World), holding a golden cross and a red orb. This symbolizes the Wüster Marsh and is taken from the seal of the Wüster Marsh Committee.
- Middle Shield: A red shield with the silver Holstein nettle leaf, representing the Holstein Geest region, where the district capital Itzehoe is located.
- Right Shield: A red shield with a silver swan wearing a golden crown, symbolizing the Kremper Marsh. The swan is a traditional emblem of the region, also used in the neighboring Kreis Stormarn.
Symbolism and Historical Context
- The castle is the central symbol of the coat of arms, reflecting the historical importance of the Steinburg as the administrative and political center of the region.
- The waves at the base of the shield highlight the district’s geographical features, including its rivers and the fact that the Steinburg was originally a water castle.
- The three small shields represent the three main historical districts of the Amt Steinburg: the Wüster Marsh, the Holstein Geest, and the Kremper Marsh.
- The coat of arms was designed by Max Kahlke, an expressionist painter and graphic artist from Glückstadt.