Imagine Emperor Otto I penning a document in 966. It mentions a place called “Dullendorf”. This marks the first known mention of what would become Oberdollendorf.
Welcome to Oberdollendorf a municipal district of Königswinter. The town is located in the Rhein-Sieg district. It is part of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. Oberdollendorf history stretches back over a millennium.
In 1144, a deed distinguished between Oberdollendorf and Niederdollendorf. This clarified the existence of two distinct areas. From the 15th century, Oberdollendorf belonged to the Duchy of Berg. It was part of the administrative unit of Löwenburg.
Let’s talk about the “Linz Concord.” In 1597, Oberdollendorf joined this mutual defense treaty. Several cities along the Rhine participated in the “Linz Concord”.
Oberdollendorf along with Niederdollendorf and Oberkassel formed the court system of Dollendorf. Until 1806, the parish of Oberdollendorf was managed through a “Markgedinge.” Seven commons of the village appointed jurors to this body. These included representatives from Heisterbach Abbey, the Merten Priory and estates of the lords of Drachenfels.
From 1816 to 1969, Oberdollendorf was part of the mayoralty of Oberkassel. Between 1949 and 1955, it was part of the “Enklave Bonn”. This special administrative area surrounded the provisional government seat of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1969, Oberdollendorf was incorporated into the city of Königswinter. This happened during a municipal reorganization.
Oberdollendorf’s population has changed over the years. In 1815, it had 966 residents. By 1967, that number grew to 4790. In 2012, the population was 5362. These figures include the borough of Römlinghoven.
Wine production dominated Oberdollendorf’s economy until the 19th century. In 1878, vineyards covered 51.06 hectares. This area decreased to 23 hectares by 1906. By 1924, only 5.5 hectares were used for wine. Job creation programs led to re-cultivation efforts. By 1934, the area increased to 23 hectares again. In 1939, Oberdollendorf had 89 wineries. Most were operated as secondary businesses. Today, only one winery remains.
The vineyards of Oberdollendorf are part of the Mittelrhein wine region. They belong to the Siebengebirge wine district. The vineyards include Rosenhügel, Laurentiusberg and Sülzenberg. They are on the western slope of the “Dollendorfer Hardt”.
Oberdollendorf offers several sights. These include the Catholic Church of Saint Laurentius and the Brückenhofmuseum. The Brückenhofmuseum features local history exhibits and regional art. There is also a statue of Caesarius of Heisterbach by Ernemann Sander. Gut Sülz, a listed building, once housed a winery. It now operates as a restaurant.
A two-kilometer wine trail offers insights into wine and viticulture. The ruins of Heisterbach Abbey are also nearby.
Oberdollendorf stands as a testament to time. It is a blend of history, wine and culture. Its story is etched in documents and landscapes.