Bommern

Nestled in the Ruhr Valley, Bommern, a suburb of Witten, Germany, whispers tales of a rich and layered past. Bommern’s story begins in the year 990, etched in the Werdener Urbare records as ‘Bodenburion’. This historical name echoes even today in ‘Bodenborn’, the name of Bommern’s longest street. Over the centuries, the name transformed, appearing as Budenberen, Budenbern, Budenborne, and Buddenberch before finally settling as Bommern in 1841. Bommern wasn’t born from a single village center. It evolved from several settlement hubs scattered across its landscape. Records from the late 15th century reveal ten large farmsteads in Bommern paying dues to Herdecke Abbey. Bommern gained prominence in the mid-18th century with the discovery of coal near the Ruhr River. This area, now known as the Muttental, a historical mining trail, draws visitors eager to explore its industrial heritage. Bommern’s religious history intertwines with the nearby church in Wengern. From 1543, Bommern’s Christians embraced Luther’s teachings. However, in the late 19th century, disagreements with the regional church led approximately 200 Bommeraner to leave the church after their request for a separate church was initially denied. Eventually, their persistence paid off. Construction on their own church began in 1892, uniquely positioned on a hill, its choir facing away from the traditional east to maximize its visibility. The Ruhr River, a natural boundary, separates Bommern from Witten. A wooden bridge connecting the two was tragically destroyed by ice floes in 1503. It wasn’t until 1882 that a new bridge was inaugurated, replacing the ferry service that had operated in the interim. This 1882 bridge was replaced in 1936 with a structure that remarkably survived Allied bombing in 1944, serving until 1997 when the current bridge was opened. A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Bommern in September 1838. Forty-two people, mostly from Bommern, perished when a ferry capsized. Returning from Witten’s Zwiebelkirmes, some intoxicated passengers reportedly caused the ferry to rock. Panic ensued after a wave washed over the deck, leading to the devastating accident. On August 1st, 1929, Bommern relinquished its independence, joining Witten as part of a municipal reform. Despite new construction attracting residents to this greener side of Witten, Bommern’s population has seen a gradual decline from 9322 in 1975 to 8517 in 2020. Today, Bommern thrives as one of Witten’s seven districts. Its historical significance, particularly the Muttental mining trail, and the poignant stories woven into its past, make Bommern a captivating destination.