Eichenpark

What secrets does Eichenpark hold? Eichenpark was once the site of the Herwardeshude Cistercian Convent. Heilwig Countess of Schauenburg/Holstein founded it around 1245. The convent stood until 1530. Then it was demolished due to the Reformation. The surrounding areas likely became pastureland. Later, a tavern replaced the former convent. Today, Eichenpark offers a public green space. Enjoy a walk along its circular path. The path even leads to the Alster. You’ll come across a large granite boulder. It has a plaque dedicated to the poet Friedrich von Hagedorn. He enjoyed spending time and writing poetry in Eichenpark. Near the water, you’ll encounter the sculpture “Ether Wave”. Friedrich Wield created it. The sculpture was commissioned by the Hamburg Senate between 1931 and 1933. It commemorates Heinrich Hertz, who was the first to successfully demonstrate electromagnetic waves. Because Hertz was Jewish, the Nazi Senate prevented the sculpture’s installation. The Hamburg Cultural Authority rediscovered it in 1994. They finally placed it in Eichenpark. A small footbridge over the water provides lovely views. You can see Eichenpark, the Alster, and the Krugkoppelbrücke. This bridge spans the river at the mouth of the Außenalster. It connects the districts of Winterhude and Harvestehude. A simple wooden bridge was first built here in 1892. It was replaced in 1927/28 by the current stone and steel bridge.