Didn’t Charlemagne’s troops once conquer a castle near here? You are standing at Blick auf Hagen. This spot offers more than just a view. It offers a peek into the city’s rich history. Hagen is located on the southeastern edge of the Ruhr area. It sits where the Lenne and Volme rivers meet the Ruhr.
Hagen was first mentioned around 1200. The name likely came from a farm. This farm was at the meeting point of the Volme and Ennepe rivers. After 1324, Hagen became part of the County of Mark.
Let’s jump ahead a few centuries. A major fire ravaged Hagen in 1724. The Prussian state administration helped rebuild the city quickly. Hagen received town privileges in 1746.
In the 19th century, Hagen transformed. It became an important railway junction. By 1865, Hagen was more influential than Iserlohn. Iserlohn had been the leading town in South Westphalia.
At the turn of the century, Karl Ernst Osthaus shaped Hagen. He brought architects like Henry van de Velde to the city. Hagen became known for its Art Nouveau and Modernism connection. The Folkwang Museum was central to this movement.
Hagen faced challenges in the 20th century. It was bombed during World War II. The city center suffered severe damage. However, surrounding districts still show the city’s architectural character.
In the early 1980s, Hagen earned a nickname. It was called the “Liverpool of New German Wave”. Many famous musicians started their careers in Hagen.
Hagen’s economy faced pressure in the 1990s. Deindustrialization affected the steel sector. The city’s population also declined.
Since the 2000s, Hagen has seen new construction. The Volme-Galerie and Rathaus-Galerie are examples. These projects have reshaped Hagen’s cityscape. In mid-July 2021, heavy rainfall caused a flood disaster. The Volme valley and Hohenlimburg were particularly affected.
As you look out from Blick auf Hagen, consider the city’s resilience. From fires to bombings to economic shifts, Hagen has persevered. It stands as a testament to the spirit of its people. The view encompasses not just the present. It includes centuries of history.