Itzehoe

Itzehoe, the oldest town in Holstein, is situated in a valley backed by finely-wooded hills, 40 miles NW. of Hamburg by rail. Principal industries, sugar-refining, cotton-weaving, and the manufacture of machinery, chicory, and soap. Pop. (1890) 12,481. The original castle (Eselsfleth), around which Etzehoe or Itzehoe gradually arose, was built by Charlemagne in 809. Itzehoe was twice destroyed by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War.