Elsfleth

Elsfleth lies where the Hunte joins the Weser, on the route between Bremen and the North Sea. Recorded in 1220, it came under the counts of Oldenburg in 1350. Saint Nicholas' Church was built in 1504, and a school followed in 1607. Count Anton Günther moved the Weser toll station to Elsfleth in 1624, bringing revenue and activity to the settlement. Bremen resisted the levy on ships using the river, but was compelled to accept it; the toll continued until 1820. The meeting of the rivers also encouraged Elsfleth's shipping and shipbuilding.