Lithuania, Klaipeda district, Juodkrante

Klaus Störtebeker

Klaus Stoertebeker, whose real name was Nikolaus Storzenbecher, was a German who lived in the 14th century.

Stoertebeker led group of freebooters, who captured Danish ships during the war by order of the Germans. In one way he was a privateer, but he also captured the ships of England, Holland, Russia and even German ships itself. In 1401 Stoertebeker and 71 of his companions were caught near Helgoland Island by a trick. A fisherman whom Stoertebeker granted protection turned out to be the enemy. Stoertebeker was executed in Hamburg in 1400.

The legend says that he made a deal with his executioner: All those companions should be reprieved, who he could manage to walk by after having been beheaded. This way he could save eleven pirates.