Here in Lücklemberg, the air hums with stories of knights and wealthy merchants. This southern district of Dortmund wasn’t always the upscale residential area it is today. It has a rich history dating back centuries.
Lücklemberg’s name comes from the merging of two farming communities Lück and Lemberg. The name is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. Today, Lücklemberg is known for its beautiful villas and mansions.
Around 1150, Lücklemberg was first mentioned as Lemberge. This was in the records of Werden Abbey. The original farm of the Lemberg community was Schultenhof Lemberg. This farm belonged to the Teutonic Knights. It served as a stopover for knights traveling to the Holy Land.
In 1809, Napoleon I dissolved the Teutonic Order. The farm then became property of the Grand Duchy of Berg. After the Napoleonic Wars, in 1815, it fell to the Prussian state.
Historically, Lücklemberg belonged to the County of Mark. This county was often at odds with the free imperial city of Dortmund. A notable event occurred in 1389. Dortmund citizens stole over 400 cattle from Lücklemberg farmers.
One famous resident was Tiedemann von Lemberg. His father settled in Dortmund in 1298 as a shoemaker. Tiedemann specialized in fur and leather trading. He became very wealthy. By age 30, he was a leading German and international merchant. He was known for his financial dealings within the Hanseatic League. From 1345 to 1349, he even held the English royal crown. King Edward III of England had pawned it to him.
In the late Middle Ages, Lücklemberg was part of the parish of Wellinghofen. It belonged to the County of Mark. The 1486 tax book shows nine landowners paid taxes.
Until its dissolution in 1809, Gut Kramberg in Lücklemberg belonged to Herdecke Abbey. In the 19th century, Lücklemberg was a rural community. It was part of the Hörde district.
In 1922, Lücklemberg was incorporated into Wellinghofen. Until the 1980s, the Heidehof stood here. Later, it became a training center for IG Metall. Now, the building serves as office space. The Heidehof gained notoriety in 1982. Squatters occupied it to prevent its demolition.
In 1987, Lücklemberg made headlines again. The roof of the Olpketalschule gymnasium collapsed. Fortunately, nobody was inside at the time.
Today, Lücklemberg boasts beautiful residential buildings. Among these is the Villa Opländer. It was built in 1924 for engineer Louis Opländer. Later, the Hoesch Group bought the villa. It served as home to former State Minister Harald Koch for many years. The Hoesch Villa, named after its long-time owner, is now a protected monument.
The private Theater Olpketal is located here. It is home to Bruno Knust, a Dortmund cabaret performer known as “Günna.” Lücklemberg offers a blend of history and modern living. It is one of Dortmund’s more desirable residential areas. Its past as a rural community has shaped it into the charming district we see today.