Alter Ringelberg

Settled on the eastern edge of Erfurt, Alter Ringelberg whispers tales of a changing city. Alter Ringelberg isn’t just a hill. It’s a neighborhood. It’s a community woven into the fabric of Erfurt. In the 1930s, the Ringelberg-Siedlung began to take shape, south of Leipziger Straße, near the Ringelberg steps. The streets in this new settlement echoed a connection to Saxony, each named after a Saxon town. This reflected the older Ringelbergtreppe (Ringelberg steps), named as early as 1886. The Ringelberg steps themselves served a unique purpose between 1953 and 1975. They marked the final stop for one of Erfurt’s two trolleybus lines. Imagine the quiet hum of the trolleybus as it reached its destination on Alter Ringelberg. After 1990, Alter Ringelberg experienced a surge of growth with the construction of new homes. By 2000, tram line 4 connected the entire settlement, further integrating Alter Ringelberg into the city. This newer part of Alter Ringelberg holds another story in its street names. These streets honor modern architects and artists. Names like Walter Gropius, Johannes Klaß, and Paul Klee grace the street signs, a testament to creativity and innovation. Much of the land here belongs to the Kirchen- und Klosterkammer (Church and Monastery Chamber). This public foundation manages former church properties, granting land to builders through hereditary building rights. This unique arrangement reflects a historical connection to the church, adding another layer to the story of Alter Ringelberg.