Picture this. You’re standing in Lochhausen a seemingly tranquil Munich suburb. The air is fresh. The scent of wildflowers mingles with the subtle aroma of freshly tilled earth. This wasn’t always a quiet residential area.
Lochhausen boasts a rich history stretching back centuries. Originally meaning “houses by the woods” its earliest mention dates back to 948 or 955 as “Lohhusa”. For hundreds of years Lochhausen was a small collection of farmsteads. They frequently changed owners some belonging to nobility others to nearby monasteries like Ettal.
Imagine a time before the bustle of modern Munich. Farmers tilled the land. Life revolved around the seasons and the rhythm of agricultural work. The presence of numerous traditional farmhouses some still actively engaged in agriculture. This is a rare sight within Munich city limits. They are a testament to Lochhausen’s enduring rural character.
In 1818 Lochhausen merged with Langwied forming a single community. The arrival of the Munich-Lochhausen railway line in 1839. It was only the second railway line in all of Germany. It could have transformed Lochhausen. Yet unlike Pasing its impact was minimal.
The clay-rich soil proved valuable for brick production in the mid-19th century. This was driven by the construction boom in Munich. But Lochhausen’s clay reserves were limited. The last brickyard closed in 1968. Lochhausen could have become an industrial hub. Many residents are probably quite happy it didn’t.
In 1942 Lochhausen was incorporated into Munich becoming part of Munich’s 40th district. Later in 1992 it became part of district 22 Aubing-Lochhausen-Langwied. This is Munich’s largest district yet also the one with the lowest population density per hectare.
The heart of Lochhausen is its charming village center. It’s a beautiful ensemble of historical buildings. This includes St Michael’s Church. Its origins trace back to the 14th century. Its altar and paintings by Karl Eixenberger and T Anton Petri are truly impressive. The church along with the adjacent farmhouse (core dating back to 1842) and the former teacher’s house (built in 1909) are under preservation orders.
Today Lochhausen offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban convenience. Its proximity to the Langwieder See and Lußsee provides excellent recreational opportunities. The Aubinger Lohe forest offers beautiful walking trails. Children can enjoy sledding there in winter. The S-Bahn provides swift access to Marienplatz. Lochhausen is indeed a hidden gem. A peaceful residential haven offering a taste of the countryside. Yet it’s also conveniently close to the heart of Munich.