Königs Wusterhausen

In 1320, a small settlement known as “hus to wosterhusen” appeared in official records, nestled near a castle of the same name. This marked the humble beginnings of Königs Wusterhausen. Let’s journey back to the late 17th century, when the town’s destiny took a dramatic turn. Elector Frederick William gifted the village and estate of Wendisch Wusterhausen to his son, Elector Frederick. This gift, in turn, found its way to young Prince Frederick William, the future “Soldier King,” Frederick William I. He received this land, including ten thatched cottages and eighty inhabitants, as a tenth birthday present. This seemingly modest gift became the foundation of his future passion for hunting. The surrounding Dubrow, rich with forests, water, and wildlife, proved even more alluring than the small village itself. Königs Wusterhausen wasn’t just a hunting ground for the Soldier King. He transformed the existing “Feste Haus” into a hunting lodge, a reflection of his modest and Calvinistic nature. Upon becoming king in 1713, he expanded the estate significantly. He spent at least two months annually in Königs Wusterhausen, indulging in his passion for hunting. His hunts were a stark contrast to the formal etiquette of his father’s baroque court, often characterized by a more informal atmosphere, exemplified by his famous “Tobacco College.” In 1718, upon the inauguration of his hunting lodge, Wendisch Wusterhausen was renamed Königs Wusterhausen, solidifying the town’s royal connection. The Soldier King’s legacy extends beyond the hunting lodge. The Kreuzkirche, a simple rectangular structure, stands as a testament to the town’s resilience after being ravaged by Swedes in 1643. The church was rebuilt in 1697, expanded in 1758, and later redesigned in a neo-Romanesque style in 1822, complete with a tower. Königs Wusterhausen became a hub of technological innovation in the 20th century. In 1920, Germany’s first radio transmitter was established on the Funkerberg, marking the birth of German radio broadcasting. This significant event unfolded with the broadcast of a Christmas concert, orchestrated by German radio pioneer Hans Bredow, often hailed as the “Father of German Radio.” Today, the Funkerberg houses a museum dedicated to the history of radio and transmission technology, a reminder of Königs Wusterhausen’s pioneering role in broadcasting. So, the next time you hear the name Königs Wusterhausen, remember that it’s more than just a town. It’s a place where royal history intertwines with technological advancements, a place where the echoes of the Soldier King’s hunts mingle with the pioneering sounds of early radio broadcasts.