Beyond the bustling Kieler Straße, a unique story unfolds here in Stellingen. Today, we explore the history of Stellingen, a district that has transformed significantly over the centuries. Its story is one of settlements, shifts in power and integration into the vibrant city of Hamburg.
Stellingen was first documented in 1347. It appeared in the church records of Eppendorf. Back then, Nicolaus von Bremen, a pastor, recorded his income from seven farms in Stellingen. These farms had to pay a “Zehnt,” a tenth of their produce, to the church. This record is kept in the Hamburg State Archives.
The name Stellingen likely comes from “Stallo” and “ing”. “Stallo” is an old male first name. The suffix “ing” indicates belonging to a person or thing. Thus, Stellingen means the place of Stallo’s people.
For centuries, Stellingen remained largely independent. It was under various rulers. But in 1927, Stellingen lost its independence. It was first incorporated into Altona. Then, ten years later, it became part of Hamburg.
The district has faced challenges. Streets, highways, and railways fragmented Stellingen. Residents have dealt with increasing noise. However, the people of Stellingen have remained resilient. They declared “We are still here and we will stay here!”
The володи has a rich history. Stone Age finds indicate early settlements. Sherds from ancient urn cemeteries suggest habitation in the Iron Age. In 804, Charlemagne defeated the Saxons. He introduced Christianity. Stellingen then became part of the County of Pinneberg.
The district became evangelistic in 1546. The first Lutheran preacher arrived in Eppendorf. Michael I Innebeke was the first name on the 1581 resident list. The Imbeck family later provided the first schoolteacher in Stellingen.
The Thirty Years’ War impacted Stellingen. In 1627, Wallenstein briefly camped near the Eidelstedt mill. Soldiers were quartered in Stellingen from 1641 to 1644. The Eppendorf baptismal register recorded baptisms of soldiers’ children.
In 1666, a “schoolmaster of Stellingen” was first mentioned. The Kölln family managed Stellingen as bailiffs from 1730. Their administrative center was the “Vogthufe” farm. In 1738, a report noted that Stellingen’s school had its own new building but the swineherd lived there too.
In 1772, regular schooling began in Stellingen. By 1826, Stellingen had 526 residents. The Kieler Straße, now Bundesstraße 4, was built between 1830 and 1832. It was the first paved road in Schleswig-Holstein.
The Altona-Kiel railway reached Stellingen-Langenfelde in 1844. Carl Hagenbeck, the future founder of the Tierpark Hagenbeck, was born in St. Pauli in 1844. His father, a fishmonger, exhibited seals in a large vat. This was the beginning of the famous zoo in Stellingen.
Today, Stellingen is known for Tierpark Hagenbeck. It is one of Germany’s most popular zoos. Stellingen is also known as a transit area near the A7 Autobahn. But it offers more than just traffic. The Hamburger Deckel project aims to reconnect residential areas through green spaces. These will create family-friendly parks and playgrounds.
As we conclude our visit to Stellingen, remember that every corner holds a story. From its humble beginnings as a collection of farms to its current status as a vibrant district. Stellingen continues to evolve. It blends its historical roots with modern developments.