The originally Slawonic settlement (Utin) was populated since the 12th century by Dutch settlers. In 1156 Eutin became market town and temporarily seat of a bishopric, the city rights were given in the year 1257.
Birthplace of composer Carl Maria von Weber. To honor him, a free air stage (Freilichtbühne) was built in a park 1951 where several operas, and orchestral works are performed during the summer months (changing each season), at least one of them written by Carl Maria von Weber. The capacity of this stage is about 2000 visitors and there is no roof at all, only optional for the orchestra to protect the instruments. It is a good idea to bring a raincoat or similar to the performance if the weather is unstable.
Poet and translator Johann Heinrich Voss lived in Eutin for about 20 years as principal of the local grammar school which bears his name until today (Johann-Heinrich-Voss-Gymnasium).