Amt Ritzebüttel

Ritzebüttel castle was erected in the 14th century by vassals of the Duke of Lauenburg, who controlled the neighboring territory of Hadeln. Because of its strategic location at the mouth of the Elbe River, Hamburg sought to conquer it despite the distance between the castle and the city. The conquest succeeded in 1393 and the Amt was established the following year. It remained part of the Imperial City of Hamburg throughout the period covered by the database.

 

Even after 1806, the Amt remained part of Hamburg until 1938. The so-called “Amerikahafen” remained in Hamburg hands until 1961 when it was traded for the nearby island of Neuwerk, which remains part of Hamburg today.