Around Huckarde’s ancient heart lies a captivating story. This Dortmund district boasts a history stretching back to the time of Christ. Settlements existed near today’s Oberfeldstrasse. Imagine life here centuries ago.
Huckarde’s name derives from the Old Saxon “hucretha” meaning “hill in the swamp”. Early settlers wisely chose a small elevation near flowing waters. Around 860 AD a document from Essen Abbey mentions Hukretha passing to Bishop Altfrid of Hildesheim. This marks a significant moment in Huckarde’s early history.
The industrial age arrived in 1855 with the founding of the Hansa colliery. Coal was first discovered in 1810 during well construction. Until then Huckarde remained primarily agricultural. The colliery closed in 1980. Its legacy however remains. The Hansa Coking Plant stands as a reminder. This striking industrial monument is open to visitors interested in Dortmund’s industrial past. Many routes within the plant remain untouched. Only the gasometer was demolished in 2005.
Huckarde joined Dortmund in 1914. The Emschertalbahn railway arrived in 1892. In 1908 Huckarde gained a grand passenger station. Today Huckarde is one of Dortmund’s smallest districts. Despite its density it offers ample green space. The Rahmer Wald forest the Revierpark Wischlingen leisure centre and the Deusenberg provide excellent recreation.
A special gem is the more than 500-year-old timber-framed chapel in Revierpark Wischlingen. Legend says it hosted Dortmund’s first Lutheran sermon. Today it’s a popular spot for weddings. Huckarde’s active community spirit continues to this day. Numerous projects flourish through citizen forums and various groups. Events such as the Huckarde Family Day and a classic car meeting keep the spirit of Huckarde alive. The Deusenberg a former landfill now a beautiful recreation area with a bike arena is a landmark. It has become a well known spot for mountain bikers. The Emscher River and Dortmund-Ems Canal in the east provide additional opportunities for leisure and recreation.
Huckarde’s story is one of transformation. From a small settlement to an industrial powerhouse and finally a vibrant community embracing its past while building its future. A journey worth exploring.