Ever wondered how a district can be both steeped in history and constantly evolving? That’s Woltmershausen for you a vibrant part of Bremen. Woltmershausen is a district brimming with stories of resilience. It is also known for its constant change. Today, we will uncover some of its secrets.
Woltmershausen’s story stretches back to early times. Its name comes from a settler named Woltmer. In the 18th century, it was a small village. Just six farms and a few small houses stood here. About 300 people lived here then.
Back in 1666, Bremen burned Woltmershausen down during a siege. This was during a fight with the Swedes. The village stood in the way of the fortress. When rebuilt, some house spots were raised. This was to protect against floods. Others could not be rebuilt at all. But the Kamphof stood apart. Today, an old row of linden trees and the street name Kamphofer Damm remind us of it.
The 19th century brought big changes to Woltmershausen. Ship construction started on the Weser shore. Other industries were slow to arrive. The number of people living here grew. Shops and businesses popped up along Woltmershauser Straße.
Because of the nearby harbor, timber businesses thrived. Big industrial plants also set up shop. The Woltmershausen gas plant and the Martin Brinkmann tobacco factory became key employers. South of here, a large area of small gardens grew. Woltmershausen became its own parish in 1902. It was then incorporated into Bremen as a district.
Woltmershausen today has a stable population of around 11000. Most people here are skilled workers, laborers, and employees. Seven industrial companies employ more than 4000 people.
For years, a large gasometer marked the entrance to Woltmershausen. It stood by the Neustädter Güterbahnhof. Built in 1954, it was Bremen’s second-tallest building after the cathedral. It could hold over 100000 cubic meters of city gas. The tower was green. Its top part featured red and white rectangles. This was like the Bremen flag. It was torn down thirty years later.
Locals often call Woltmershausen Pusdorf. Some say it’s because of the strong winds. Others believe it’s from a large farming family’s name. The Weser ferry “Pusdorp” links the banks during summer.
Around 1900, Woltmershausen became home to many harbor and shipyard workers. Rablinghausen kept its village feel longer. The Weser’s left bank with its sandy beach was a popular spot for Bremen residents to relax.
Woltmershausen was incorporated into Bremen in 1902. Rablinghausen followed in 1921. In 1905, Woltmershausen, Rablinghausen, and Lankenau had 7473 residents.
The Christuskirche on Woltmershauser Straße opened in 1906. Streetcar line 7 was extended to Rablinghausen-Bakeweg in 1933. From 1936, the Nazi housing welfare agency built homes. This settlement was for large so-called community aliens. These people were forced to move here.
After World War II, Woltmershausen had 18544 residents in 1960. The Neustädter Hafen was built from 1960 to 1962. During dredging, a Hanseatic cog from the 14th century was found.
The gas plant closed in 1964. The gasometer stood until 1984. Streetcar line 7 stopped running in 1965. Buses took over public transport. The Weser-Uferpark from Lankenauer Höft to Rablinghausen was finished in 1972. The ferry service between Woltmershausen and Gröpelingen/Walle ended in 1981.
The Kulturladen Pusdorf opened in 1982. It gave new life to social and cultural work in the district. The building of the Güterverkehrszentrum from 1983 boosted Woltmershausen’s economy. By 2008, over 130 companies with over 5500 employees had settled here.
In early 2013, the ferry service to the Weser’s right bank restarted. The Weser ferry now connects Lankenauer Höft with the Waterfront shopping center during weekends.
And so, Woltmershausen stands as a testament to Bremen’s evolving spirit. It blends its historical roots with modern developments. Its story continues to unfold. What will the next chapter bring?