Established long before its explicit mention in 1255, Rellingen stands as a testament to centuries of history. Today we will explore the treasures of Rellingen.
Rellingen’s story starts much earlier. A document from 1140 mentions Reinlage. This suggests a thriving community already existed. The Archbishop Adalbert confirmed a donation. It was for the benefit of the restored Hamburg chapter. Rellingen was more than just a settlement.
Rellingen played a vital role in Holstein’s Christianization. It was part of Stormarn. The Rellingen church’s structure suggests early construction. This likely began soon after the 1140 donation. A fieldstone hall church with a round western tower emerged. It resembled Vicelinkirchen style. Its basic structure remains even under modern brick. The founding of Rellingen parish likely occurred between 1150 and 1200.
For centuries Rellingen served as the heart of a large parish. It included 28 surrounding villages. This made Rellingen a central hub. It was important for regional church care, administration, trade, and commerce. By 1255 Rellingen had market rights and its own jurisdiction.
Despite many businesses Rellingen remained a farming village. This was true from the late Middle Ages into modern times. The Thirty Years’ War severely damaged the church. In 1703 the church received its current tower. Jacob Bläser was the master builder. Cay Dose rebuilt the church in its current octagonal form in 1756. It stands as a major work of late Baroque church architecture. The Rellingen church is an architectural masterpiece. It has groundbreaking architectural significance. It is a gem of the North Elbian Church.
Krupunder has been part of Rellingen since its first settlement around 1700. Until the 18th century Krupunder See was called Rellinger See. Today this lake belongs to Halstenbek. After border disputes with Halstenbek, the old Reichsstrasse 5 became the final border in 1893. The road remained on Rellingen territory. Since then Krupunder has been divided. There is a part belonging to Rellingen and a part belonging to Halstenbek.
The second half of the 19th century changed Rellingen’s landscape. A favorable climate, ideal soil, and frequent rainfall fostered a transformation. Agricultural structures shifted to tree nurseries. Barns turned into storage and shipping sheds.
Rising prosperity and population growth led to urbanization. This was evident in new buildings at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. Rellingen became a nucleus for rose cultivation alongside Halstenbek. Soon it became the center. It was the largest connected tree nursery area in Europe. Pinneberg district still holds this title today.
On December 31, 1974, Egenbüttel was incorporated. This neighboring town had 2,400 residents. It had close ties to Rellingen since the old parish days. The community’s prosperity grew with the increase in economic power.
In 1990, Rellingen had 66 tree nursery businesses. They cultivated 15% of Schleswig-Holstein’s tree nursery area. Rellingen looks back on over 100 years of tree nursery history. The first tree nursery was founded in 1872. Rellingen’s tree nurseries now cultivate over 240 million plants. The green industry still dominates the landscape. The seasonal colors and scents of the rose nurseries enhance it.
With prosperity came the need to modernize. Old buildings with cultural significance slowly disappeared from Rellingen. However, the community successfully created and maintained a distinctive modern community.
Today Rellingen has around 14,700 residents. It blends historical roots with modern living. Rellingen is a vibrant municipality in Schleswig-Holstein. Its rich history and dedication to progress shapes its identity.