Didn’t Hohenfelde used to be a rural area with cow pastures and watermills? Today, we’re standing in one of Hamburg’s most central districts. Hohenfelde is small but full of surprises. It covers just 1.1 square kilometers. You could almost miss it while driving on one of the major roads.
Hohenfelde is nestled between busy streets. Sechslingspforte, Mundsburger Kanal, Landwehr, and Wartenau surround it. These roads mark the borders with Borgfelde and Eilbek. To the west, a prime Alster lakefront adds to Hohenfelde’s charm. The villas on Uhlandstraße evoke memories of a time when Hohenfelde was a prestigious area.
Let’s talk about Hohenfelde’s history. Back in 1256, it was pledged to the Hospital zum Heiligen Geist. Graf Adolf VI of Schauenburg officially transferred it in 1359. By 1375, the Landwehr was constructed. It served as a defense wall. It stretched from Kuhmühlenteich to Hammerbrook’s lowlands.
Did you know Hohenfelde means “high field”? This area outside the city gates became a glacis in 1679. It was an open firing range that couldn’t be built on. Until the Mundsburger Damm was built on Uhlenhorst, the Kuhmühle was the only bridge over the Eilbek. It connected the Lübecker Tor to Barmbek and Winterhude.
In 1773, Hohenfelde had an estimated 30 residents. By 1810, the population grew to 754. During the Napoleonic Wars, Hohenfelde was a retreat area. It suffered severe destruction. Reconstruction was slow. In 1824, the population was still only 583.
The Great Fire of Hamburg in 1842 spurred Hohenfelde’s growth. It destroyed a third of the old city. The Torsperre, a gate closure, was abolished in 1861. This made the old city border freely passable. By 1870, development extended throughout Hohenfelde. This included residential buildings and businesses.
In 1869, a bathing area opened on the Alsterufer. At first, it was only for men. A separate women’s pool was added in 1901. Hohenfelde was incorporated into Hamburg in 1874. The city then administered it. That same year, the watermill first mentioned in 1247 was demolished. It was replaced with a bridge that still bears the name Kuhmühle.
Hohenfelde has many interesting spots. The Alsterschwimmhalle is a notable swimming pool. The Marienkrankenhaus is a large hospital. You can also enjoy Kanupolo in the Alsterbucht. Don’t miss the bronze sculpture “Three Men in a Boat” by Edwin Scharff. It stands on the Outer Alster shore.
During World War II, the Operation Gomorrha in 1943 destroyed 70 percent of Hohenfelde’s housing. There was a lack of water, electricity, and gas. People cut down street trees for heating. The remaining apartments were overcrowded. Many residents were evacuated. After the war, the bunker on Hinrichsenstraße served as emergency accommodation. The reconstruction from 1950 to 1960 significantly changed Hohenfelde’s architectural style.
Today, Hohenfelde is a vibrant mix. It has a young and old population. There are wealthy residents and average earners. You’ll find luxury apartments alongside practical SAGA housing. Small service providers and craft businesses thrive in the backyards. Despite its central location, Hohenfelde retains a unique charm. It blends history with modern urban life. The area has undergone many changes. It offers a glimpse into Hamburg’s past and present.