Herstell

Herstell is a fictional municipality in the highland region of Nordmark, a hypothetical country used for illustrative purposes in this article. It lies near the Alder River and is surrounded by mixed forests and small farms.

The municipality covers an area of 26.4 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 4,800 as of 2022, with a population density of around 180 inhabitants per square kilometer. The town is the administrative seat of its local council.

First mentioned in documents of 1273, Herstell received a town charter in 1320. It experienced growth in the 19th century due to the expansion of textile work and small-scale milling, while rural decline followed in the late 20th century; in recent decades it has diversified into light manufacturing and services.

The local economy relies on agriculture, small manufacturing, and tourism tied to rural trails. It is connected by regional roads and a bus network; no railway serves the town directly.

The annual harvest festival is held each autumn, featuring traditional music and crafts. Notable residents include botanist Anna Kreisel (born 1831) and writer Lukas Hartmann (born 1952).