Journey into the Unexplored: Exploring the Enchanting Sauerland - Friedrich Merz's Hometown
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- Future Chancellor's Residential Address Shifts to Sauerland
Germany's soon-to-be Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, hails from the captivating Sauerland region. He proudly proclaims his roots, with his campaign slogan, "Bold Sauerland spirit", and Angela Merkel acknowledging his inclination towards the region. But what is the enchanting Sauerland all about?
The Questionable Name: A Misnomer or an Inexplicable Connection?
If the Sauerland has a mystery, it lies in its name. It sounds like a land of despair, but its meaning is unlikely related to sorrow. "Sauer" may stem from "marshy" or "south", as the region was to the south of important cities such as Dortmund, Soest, Münster, and Paderborn during the Middle Ages. Sauerland, which translates to Southland, bears a resemblance to the famous "Terra Australis Incognita", the unknown Southland that navigators sought for centuries, but never in Westphalia.
Sons of the Sauerland: Trailblazers in German Politics
Before Friedrich Merz, two Sauerlanders reached the pinnacle of politics: Heinrich Lübke (1894-1972), the second federal president, and Franz Müntefering (85), former SPD chairman and vice-chancellor. Lübke, from Enkhausen in the Hochsauerland district, is remembered for his humorous mishaps with the English language. His catchy LP "Heinrich Lübke speaks for Germany" was a hit, but his quote "Equal goes it los" - "Equal, it's off" - is half-remembered. Müntefering, known as "Münte", embodied the typical Sauerlander with his taciturn, no-nonsense demeanor. His famous quote "That's enough Volksschule Sauerland" - "Sauerland education is enough" - is unforgettable.
The Eternal Winnetou: Glory in Elspe
Iconic French actor Pierre Brice brought the natural beauty of Elspe, Sauerland, to the attention of the nation in the '70s and '80s. Dressed in a cream-colored outfit with fringes, Brice rode down the festival hill while Martin Böttcher's film melody played, declaring with a thick French accent, "Isch 'ave spoken!" Brice is now resting in peace, but the unchanged Winnetou experience continues to draw visitors.
The Legend of the Lack of Tact:
The "Land of a Thousand Mountains" with its ominous fairy-tale forests is brimming with legends and stories, many revolving around the "Hollen", underground people resembling gnomes. These social beings would often babysit the children of farmers when they worked in the fields. One daring farmer who drank their milk saw the Hollen disappear forever into the mountains. According to another legend, they would shower playing children in the woods with gold, causing parents to rush to the woods with shovels and pickaxes to dig for riches. Such tales might hint at the occasional absence of finesse in the Sauerlanders.
A Place of Longing: The Allure of the Sauerland
For our Dutch neighbors, the Sauerland is their quickest route to mid-mountain ranges. This makes the region particularly popular in winter, with some hotels welcoming Dutch visitors for decades, offering Dutch TV, music, and food (like Hagelslag sprinkles and Frikandels).
**The Dutch media praises the Sauerland, stating that "one can ultimately enjoy" here. Winter trips to Sauerland are popular, featuring the "Charming Christmas atmosphere in the Sauerland". The weather is monitored closely here, with headlines such as "Sauerland: Will winter remain unpredictable?" or "Heavy snow on the way to the Sauerland", showcasing the region's appeal.
A Rich History: Farm, Industry, and Politics
The myth that Sauerland consists only of meadows, forests, and cows is pervasive. This might stem from the band Zoff, which created a drinking song entitled "My heart beats for the Sauerland" filled with obscure Place names from the region.
However, industry thrives in the Sauerland. The local Chamber of Industry and Commerce boasts a list of world market leaders, including companies specializing in manufacturing equipment, bag closures, and the escalator industry. With its rich heritage and booming economy, Sauerland is a destination worth exploring.
Dining in the Sauerland: Hearty Dishes to Savor
Browsing through the specialties of the Sauerland may make one's breathe short with anticipation - they are hearty and meat-filled.
A well-known dish in the Sauerland is Potthucke, a potato dough filled and baked with meat. One may have already bitten into "Fat Sauerlanders", but it refers to a type of Bockwurst in a can.
In conclusion, conquering the culinary delights of Sauerland is a testament to endurance, a trait also valuable in politics.
- Sauerland, the captivating region that Friedrich Merz hails from, has a name that is shrouded in mystery, as its meaning is unlikely related to sorrow, despite its ominous sound.
- The Sauerland has seen many trailblazers in German politics, as evidenced by the rise of Friedrich Merz, Heinrich Lübke, and Franz Müntefering, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the country's history.
- Despite its reputation as a land of meadows, forests, and cows, the Sauerland is also home to thriving industries, including companies specializing in manufacturing equipment, bag closures, and the escalator industry.
