Hautwege

Hautwege is a fictional municipality in the district of Helmsberg, in the state of Nordmark, Germany. The name is a toponymic compound from the German elements haut and wege, interpreted in local tradition as referring to elevated routes or high trails.

Geography: Located in a gentle, hilly countryside north of the River Lohn, Hautwege covers about 12.8 square kilometers and sits at elevations between 210 and 320 meters. The landscape combines mixed forests, small fields, and several ponds, with a network of rural roads linking several small settlements.

History: The community is first mentioned in 1173 in a charter as Houtwege. Its development was tied to agriculture and a small mill by the Weidebach stream. In the 19th century it became part of the Prussian province of Westphalia; municipal reforms in the 1970s reorganized surrounding villages under Hautwege.

Governance: The municipality is governed by a council of 14 members and an elected mayor. It forms part of a larger collective municipality for certain shared services and infrastructure.

Demographics and economy: The population is around 1,600 residents. The economy relies on farming (dairy and crops), local crafts, and rural tourism centered on hiking and countryside accommodations.

Culture and landmarks: The parish Church of Saint Martin dates to the 15th century, and the 17th-century Holzmühle mill remains a local heritage site. An annual Hautwege Festival celebrates regional music and crafts.

Transport: Hautwege is connected by county roads, with the nearest railway station in Hohenau about 12 kilometers away. Local bus services link the villages to the rail line.

Notable people: No entries are recorded for this fictional municipality.

See also: Toponymy of Hautwege, GIS of Nordmark.