On January 25 1332 Langenhorn was sold to Hamburg. This marked a turning point in Langenhorn’s history. It became an integral part of Hamburg. Langenhorn’s name originates from a large forest on a long ridge. This area is now Langenhorn.
For centuries Langenhorn was a small village. It had a rich history. People settled there in prehistoric times. Archaeological finds prove this. The oldest finds near Langenhorn are from the Hamburgian culture. These were discovered near the Alster River in Wellingsbüttel. The Tarpenbek River formed around 13020 years ago. This was due to melting glaciers. Settlements existed in Langenhorn by the European Neolithic period.
During the Thirty Years’ War in 1627 a Danish army stayed in Langenhorn for eight days. This was part of a larger military campaign. Later in 1641 Christian IV of Denmark established a large military camp in Fuhlsbüttel. This impacted Langenhorn. Many trees were felled. Resources were depleted. The Langenhorn farmers suffered significant losses.
The Napoleonic Wars brought further challenges. French troops occupied Langenhorn in 1806. Langenhorn farmers hid their possessions. They feared the French. One farmer even killed a French soldier. This was in self-defense.
The Kosakenwinter of 1813-1814 was a harsh period. Russian troops occupied Langenhorn. They requisitioned resources. They even slaughtered livestock on a field. This field is still called Schlachterkoppel.
Langenhorn’s development accelerated in the 19th and 20th centuries. The construction of the Chaussee road improved connections. A new school was built. The Irrenanstalt Langenhorn mental institution opened. This later became part of the Asklepios Klinik Nord hospital.
The early 20th century saw significant growth. Edmund Siemers acquired large areas of land. He developed the Siemershöhe housing estate. He also contributed to the establishment of Fuhlsbüttel Airport.
Langenhorn also played a role in World War II. A subcamp of the Neuengamme concentration camp operated there. This was from September 12 1944 to April 4 1945. The Hanseatische Kettenwerke munitions factory was established in Langenhorn. Forced laborers worked there. Langenhorn was largely spared from destruction despite the war.
Post-war Langenhorn saw further expansion. New housing estates were built. The Langenhorner Markt shopping center opened. The U-Bahn rapid transit system improved public transport.
Langenhorn’s history is complex. It is full of contrasting events. It shows the impact of war occupation and industrial development. It also showcases the community spirit and resilience of Langenhorn’s people. Langenhorn has transformed. It remains a significant part of Hamburg’s story.