Think of Lohfelden as a town stitched together from three distinct villages. These are Crumbach, Ochshausen, and Vollmarshausen. Lohfelden is more than just a name. It represents a community with a rich history and unique identity.
Lohfelden sits a mere 6 km southeast of Kassel. Its location has shaped its story. The town’s history is intertwined with Kassel’s industrial growth.
Did you know that Lohfelden wasn’t always called Lohfelden? The merger of Crumbach and Ochshausen in 1941 created the municipality. Vollmarshausen joined later in 1970.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, the monastery of St. Alban in Mainz held rights in Crumbach. This shows the early importance of the area. Farmers here were often part-time. They supplemented their income with workshops. These workshops produced parts for Kassel’s burgeoning industries in the 19th century.
Even the Brothers Grimm visited Lohfelden’s villages in the 1820s. Ludwig Emil Grimm captured Crumbach’s late summer in a drawing. He also drew the church of Vollmarshausen. These drawings offer glimpses into Lohfelden’s past.
Around 1850, many Lohfelden residents worked in Kassel’s industries. A rail connection, the Söhrebahn, was built in 1912. It linked Lohfelden to Kassel.
A new settlement called “Die Siedlung” emerged between Crumbach and Ochshausen. It was planned in 1919. Architect Hannsgeorg Oechler partially realized it in the late 1930s. Its design blended garden city elements with neoclassical touches.
During World War II, the Fieseler aircraft industry was located near Lohfelden. It was at the former Kassel-Waldau airfield. The Fieseler Storch aircraft was constructed here. The factory suffered heavy damage during the war. It was never rebuilt. Vollmarshausen miraculously remained undamaged.
Post-1945, Lohfelden’s population changed. Refugees and workers arrived from across Germany and Europe. This diversified the town’s religious makeup. A large Catholic community emerged. The Söhrebahn-rail became obsolete due to car traffic. It ceased operation in 1966. The track was transformed into a walking and cycle path.
In 1975, Kassel tried to incorporate Lohfelden. The citizens resisted. Lohfelden retained its independence. However, it ceded some boundaries to Kassel. The two cities forged a cooperation treaty. They jointly developed industrial areas. For 30 years, Lohfelden received the majority of local taxes. Today, these taxes are shared.
Lohfelden offers several main sights. The Carriages and Coaches Museum of Hessen showcases transport history. The Protestant church in Crumbach features a 12th-century round tower. The Protestant church in Ochshausen displays gothic style. The Protestant church in Vollmarshausen exemplifies early neoclassicism. A notable basswood tree stands at Vollmarshausen’s old square. Bronze Age tombs lie near Vollmarshausen. The old mill Obermühle offers a glimpse into the past. The garden town Siedlung represents unique architecture.
Lohfelden boasts two primary schools, five kindergartens, and two nurseries. It also has a nursing home. Sports facilities include four gyms and two football stadiums. The FSC Lohfelden’s soccer division competes in the Hessenliga. Their home stadium is the Nordhessenstadion.
In 1971, Lohfelden and Kassel co-developed the Kassel-Waldau business park. They created a second business park, Lohfeldener Rüssel, in 2009. It is known for its service area on the autobahn.
Lohfelden maintains twin-town relationships. These include Berg im Drautal, Austria, since 1988. Trutnov, Czech Republic, since 2007. And Alcalá la Real, Spain. These connections foster cultural exchange and friendship.
Lohfelden is a blend of history and progress. Its resilience and community spirit shine through.