Have you ever walked through a place steeped in history? Lohmen in Saxony is such a place. Lohmen is more than just a village. It’s a gateway to Saxon Switzerland. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets through ancient stones and cobblestone streets.
Imagine Lohmen in 1292. The year it was first mentioned in official documents. Before that even Timo de Lome was a witness in official documents in 1206. The name itself Lohmen comes from the old Slavic word lomu meaning “quarry”. And quarries there were plenty. Around 1200 the first sandstone quarries opened. These were the first and largest quarries in the surrounding area. Lohmen’s early history is intrinsically linked to its stone. The very bedrock on which it stands shaped its destiny.
Lohmen wasn’t merely a collection of houses and quarries. By the 16th century it was significant enough to be called a “small town”. In 1470 it boasted a mill and a hammer mill. A large sheep farm existed in 1543. Merino sheep were imported from Spain in 1765 boosting the importance of animal husbandry until the mid 20th century. A paper mill was built on the Wesenitz River between 1574 and 1576 showcasing the area’s early industrial innovation.
Lohmen’s history is a tapestry woven from various threads. It was once a princely estate the seat of the Lohmen office overseeing twelve surrounding villages. A brewery operated from 1581. Craftsmanship thrived. An iron hammer mill existed until 1832 showing the industrious nature of Lohmen’s people. The rule of the House of Schönburg ended in 1543 when the land was exchanged for other properties. In 1811 the road running through Lohmen was upgraded. This ancient route connected the Upper Lusatia and Bohemia with central Saxony. It shows Lohmen’s position on important historical trade routes.
The 19th century ushered in tourism. Daily the guide gathered before the “Zum Erbgericht” inn. They led visitors from Dresden and Pirna to the “romantic areas”. They showed them the picturesque rock formations and the breathtaking viewpoints. Lohmen became a hub for those exploring the beauty of Saxon Switzerland.
Lohmen continued to evolve. In 1925 land and forestry were divided. The Saxon State Treasury owned a significant portion. Private owners and lessees controlled the rest. Its status changed in 1952 to 1990 when it was part of the Sebnitz district. Lohmen’s story isn’t just one of stone and industry it’s one of people. The poet Bruno Barthel captured the essence of Lohmen life in his dialect poems. Carl Heinrich Nicolai and Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger helped develop Saxon Switzerland as a tourist destination. Their contribution is honored on the Bastei Bridge. Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel a landscape gardener worked in Pillnitz and later in India. Gerhard Schubert an SPD member and teacher was killed by the SA in 1933. His memory is kept alive by a large mural at the school that once bore his name.
Lohmen’s story continues. It’s a place of contrasts where a rich history coexists with modern life. The reconstructed Lohmen Castle houses the local government and a library. The impressive church built in 1789 by a student of the architect of the Dresden Frauenkirche is a testament to Lohmen’s enduring spirit. Today Lohmen stands as a captivating blend of past and present a village with a rich history and a vibrant future. A village that truly deserves to be explored.