Nethegau, Medieval administrative region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The Nethegau is a medieval administrative region in North Rhine-Westphalia that lies between the Weser River to the west and the Egge ridge to the east. The terrain features the Brakel Upland and sits within the Höxter district, where rolling hills and river valleys define the landscape.

This territory emerged as an administrative division during the Saxon period when local counts held authority over the land. Later in the Middle Ages, portions gradually transferred to Corvey Abbey, which gained growing influence over parts of the region.

The settlements that developed along the river still shape how communities here organize themselves and celebrate local traditions. You can observe this continuity in how towns like Brakel and Bad Driburg maintain their connection to the river and the surrounding rural landscape.

Visitors explore this area best through the towns of Brakel and Bad Driburg, which serve as the main entry points. From there, the river valleys and rolling hills are accessible on foot or by bike.

The name comes from the River Nethe, and old documents show it was written in various ways such as Netago, Netga, and Nithega. These different spellings reveal how medieval scribes recorded the same place in different forms.

• Location: North Rhine-Westphalia
• GPS coordinates: 51.70000,9.16667
• Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23