Monthly Citizen Reporter Honoree on our website: Lars Friedrich
In the heart of Germany lies the charming town of Hattingen, where the spirit of tradition and modern innovation intertwine beautifully. At the forefront of this blend is Lars Friedrich, a man of many talents who has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
Friedrich, a trained journalist, finds great fascination in St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and travelers, appreciating the unique blend of lived charity and centuries-old tradition. His passion for the town's history is evident, as he has been offering personalised city tours since 2012, sharing the hidden gems and intriguing tales of Hattingen's old town.
The old town, described as a "nice curiosity shop" with multiple levels and endless discoveries, is one of Friedrich's favourite motifs for photography. He prefers capturing the essence of a place through big, expressive images, believing they can tell a story as effectively as words. When travelling, Friedrich uses his smartphone camera to document his journeys, capturing moments that he later incorporates into his tours.
Friedrich's journey with Hattingen began when he was asked to tell kindergarten students about the old houses in the old town. His engaging storytelling sparked interest, leading him to start the city tours. His commitment to the town extends beyond tourism, as he has been actively involved as St. Nicholas since 2024, visiting children, listening to them, and bringing small gifts.
Friedrich's connection with Hattingen deepened further when he became a citizen journalist on our website in 2011, to promote a local exhibition he had conceived and designed. His active involvement earned him the title of Citizen Journalist of the Month for July. He finds our website unique due to its local and regional reporting by citizens for citizens, providing a tangible, authentic view of local events.
When not guiding city tours or immersed in his role as St. Nicholas, Friedrich enjoys reading historical non-fiction books and biographies, biking in and around Hattingen, and discovering local stories for potential incorporation into his tours. He has not used the community feature on our website very often, preferring to focus on his creative pursuits.
The Local Kaleidoscope (LK), a digital network that Lars Friedrich describes as unique due to its combination of citizen proximity, regional focus, and active participation, sets itself apart from other digital networks. This platform allows Friedrich to share his passion for Hattingen with a wider audience, making the town's history and charm accessible to all.
As we delve deeper into the life and work of Lars Friedrich, it is clear that his dedication to Hattingen, its history, and its people is unwavering. His story serves as a testament to the power of local engagement and the beauty of preserving tradition while embracing innovation. For those visiting Hattingen, a tour with Lars Friedrich is not just a glimpse into the town's past, but a journey through time, guided by a true enthusiast.
- Lars Friedrich's passion for Hattingen extends beyond just offering city tours, as he also portrays the town's charm and history on digital network, The Local Kaleidoscope (LK), highlighting a unique blend of lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel experiences.
- In his down time, Lars Friedrich enjoys capturing travel moments through his smartphone camera, which later serve as additions to his city tours and photo collections that depict the town's captivating home-and-garden scenes and romantic travel vignettes.
