Asterode: Discover Church History and Place Names

Asterode’s history can be explored through two distinct threads: the present-day church and the development of the place name. In the broader destination of Neukirchen, there is also a local history museum, a fairy-tale house and other cultural themes.

The present-day church: rebuilding and organ

The former church building collapsed in 1845. In 1850, the present-day church was rebuilt at a new location; construction lasted from 1850 to 1851. Its relocation is therefore as much a part of its history as its rebuilding after the collapse. These are two important aspects of its architectural history, clearly distinct in time.

Another historical layer was added in 1882: the church received its organ as a gift from local resident Christine Schreiber, née Muth. Alongside the rebuilding, this personal gift is another part of local history. Those interested in the history of the church’s construction can thus shift their focus from the rebuilding to a later addition.

Historical forms of the place name

The place name also offers a way to explore Asterode’s history. The form “Alsterode” is documented from 1240; later forms of the name include “Astinerode” and “Asterode”. These variants can be seen as distinct historical traces: alongside the history of a building is the development of the place’s name. The year 1240 provides an early point of reference for the name’s history.

Culture in the broader destination of Neukirchen

At the Neukirchen local history museum, two adjoining buildings stand behind St. Nicholas Church on the market square. The museum features workshops representing more than ten trades. The history of craftsmanship thus offers its own thematic focus alongside Asterode’s church history: the emphasis is on different trades and their workshops.

The Fairy-Tale House is also located on Neukirchen’s historic market square. A thick blond Rapunzel braid hangs from the upper floor of a small half-timbered house. The Fairy-Tale House also features vivid fairy-tale scenes and treasures, some of which are more than 150 years old. Those wishing to listen to a storyteller or reader can do so by arrangement.

Another, distinctly different form of remembrance is also part of the broader destination of Neukirchen: since 2014, Stolpersteine have been laid there every year in memory of Jewish families from the town who were stripped of their rights, expelled or murdered during the Nazi era. The focus of this commemorative tradition is clearly different from the fairy-tale and craftsmanship themes.

During the summer months, trained health consultants Silke and Holger Arndt offer introductory Kneipp courses. As this is a seasonal offering, check whether the courses are currently taking place before making plans. In the indoor pool at Badewelt Neukirchen, the water temperature is 28 °C in both the swimming pool and the children’s paddling pool. This information may change; check it before visiting.

Cultural interests and finding accommodation

When looking for accommodation, your preferred cultural focus can be a helpful starting point: would you like the history of Asterode’s church and place name to shape your trip, or would you also like to include cultural offerings in the broader destination of Neukirchen? Your answer can help determine the focus of your trip without conflating the distinct themes of the two destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Neukirchen.