Discover the Hollerweg in Alten Land

The Hollerweg is an application designed to guide you through the historical and cultural landscape of the Alten Land, revealing the unique characteristics of the Hollerkolonie through on-site examples. This journey takes you back to the early 12th century when Dutch settlers answered the call of the Bremen archbishop. They transformed the flood-prone Elbe Valley into fertile marshlands, building dikes and drainage systems. This pioneering effort united them against the constant threat of floods, creating a community bound by resilience and determination.

Historical Roots and Cultural Legacy

In the Old Country, the medieval roots and Dutch heritage are deeply embedded in daily life. The Hollerweg leads you to remarkable sites that offer a glimpse into history, making the past come alive. These "time windows" showcase various aspects of the Hollerkolonisation, including water engineering, settlement structures, legal frameworks, agriculture, shipping, and cultural assets. Each example represents one or more of the six themes that define the Old Country:

• Water Engineering: Dykes, poldering, ditch systems, bettors, locks, slate.
• Settlement Structure: Deichhufen- and Marschhufendörfer, traffic routes, courtyards, villages on bridges, buildings on the dike.
• The Right of the Dutch: Dike law, young law, women’s rights, no compulsory guild for craftsmen, early democratic structures.
• Agriculture & Fruit Growing: Fertile marshy soils, special/mild microclimate, integrated production, organic farming, upstream and downstream specialist companies, science.
• Shipping & Trade: Shipping, ports, shipyards, old country ship types, feeder ships, knowledge transfer through trade.
• Old Lands Cultural Assets: Architecture of Fachhallenhäuser, Schmuckgiebel, splendor gates, churches, organ culture (Arp Schnitger), costumes, filigree jewelry, Altländer furniture, inventions.

A Collaborative Effort

The Hollerweg in Alten Land was launched in 2018 during the European Heritage Year. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the municipalities of Jork and Luhe, and the association for the acknowledgment of the Old Country to the UNESCO World Heritage. The app, created in late 2019, continues to evolve, enriching its content and presentation methods. Developed by multiple working groups, including students from the Altländer Oberschulen, the Hollerweg offers access to historical insights through the app, on-site QR codes, and the website.

Engaging and Educational

The Hollerweg provides a rich, interactive experience for both locals and visitors, making the cultural heritage accessible and engaging. Whether you explore the app, scan QR codes, or visit the website, you'll uncover the stories behind the Hollerkolonie and gain a deeper understanding of how the Old Country came to be as it is today.

This project is a testament to the dedication of educators, students, and community members who have contributed to preserving and sharing this invaluable heritage. Their efforts ensure that the legacy of the Hollerkolonie continues to inspire and educate future generations.