“Bercholtz.” Ever heard of it? That’s what Bergfelde was first called back in 1349. Today, we’re standing in a vibrant district of Hohen Neuendorf, a town just outside Berlin. But Bergfelde has a story all its own.
Imagine this village in 1653. Luise Henriette von Oranien, wife of Elector Friedrich Wilhelm of Brandenburg, was gifted Bergfelde. The village was assigned to the Bötzow district. She probably envisioned a peaceful retreat. Little did she know the area’s future transformation.
Fast forward to the early 20th century. Bergfelde began to expand. The “Alte Kolonie” emerged. People flocked to the Bieselheide springs that formed the Herthasee in 1907. Bergfelde became a place of attraction.
However, progress wasn’t always smooth. In 1953, the construction of Berlin’s outer ring railway cut through Bergfelde. The five original parts of the town struggled to grow together. Then came August 13, 1961. The Berlin Wall went up. Bergfelde was separated from Berlin. The separation disrupted natural road and transport links.
But Bergfelde persevered. After the wall fell in 1990, restoration began. The Herthamoor landscape protection area saw revival, thanks to groups like the German Forest Youth. The district started to flourish.
In 1962, the Bergfelde S-Bahn station opened. It provided a vital connection to the city. The S8 line connected Bergfelde to Zeuthen and Birkenwerder. Now, you can reach the heart of Berlin in just 30 minutes.
Did you know Bergfelde has its own coat of arms? In 1997, the local council chose a birch tree design. The birch represents Bergfelde’s history. It links back to the 1480 writing of “dy wuste veltmarck birckholcz.”
Also, Bergfelde was once known for flax production. The “Flachslake” field name reminds us of this industry. Farmers soaked flax in water to rot the plant parts and harvest fibers for clothing.
Today, Bergfelde is a thriving community. Young families and senior citizens find a home here. The town boasts a perfect infrastructure. It is surrounded by mixed forests. Walkers and hikers enjoy paths and lakes toward Birkenwerder.
And if you’re thirsty, Bergfelde even produces its own award-winning Schwarze Walfisch Gin. So, as you explore Bergfelde remember its long path. From “Bercholtz” to a modern Berlin suburb. It’s a place with a unique story etched into its landscape.n