service of a middle prince away from Hadeln, but the knight had learnt that his mother back in Otterndorf had been accused of witchcraft, found guilty, and so was to be burnt at the stake at the east gate of the town. The knight, who knew his mother was no witch, hurried back to seek a pardon from the Duke of Lauenburg, with whom he was in good favor. The duke, who appreciated the merits of the knight, granted a written pardon for his mother. The knight quickly rode to Otterndorf, but arrived too late to save his mother. Full of pain and heartache, the knight in his despair thrust the rapier into his chest and killed himself. The citizens of the town, realizing the mistake they had made, hung the blood soaked sword in the church, and the town never burnt a witch again. Economy Otterndorf today is a popular tourist resort. There are several bathing lakes near the beach, campsites, numerous holiday apartments and a youth hostel in and around Otterndorf. The town is a centre of tourism in the so-called Cuxland. Galleries Gallery of the Church Personalities Sons and daughters of the city Helmuth Friedrichs (1899-1945), SS leader, member of the Reichstag Thorsten Schriever (born 1976), German football judge André Hahn (born 1990), German footballer People who are connected to Otterndorf Johann Heinrich Voss (1751-1826), translator and philologist Honorary citizen 1950 Hinrich Wilhelm Kopf (1893-1961), German politician (SPD), district administrator of Landkreis Hadeln (1928-1932) and first Minister President of Lower Saxony Twin towns Sheringham, Norfolk, England References External links Official website Populated riverside places in Germany Populated places on the Elbe