Imagine living 3000 years ago. You might have been buried in a Hallstatt-era grave near Radegundis or Bannacker. Today, we’re in Bergheim. This southwestern district of Augsburg has a captivating history and a peaceful charm. Bergheim has about 2600 residents and spans roughly 22 square kilometers.
Bergheim’s story stretches back millennia. Evidence suggests people lived here nearly 3000 years ago. Discoveries of burial mounds tell of the Hallstatt era. A notable find was the Wagengrab near Wellenburg. It contained pottery, gold foil and wagon parts. Even Roman presence is evident. Remnants of a Roman tomb were found in St. Remigius’s churchyard in 1818. Coins depicting Emperor Augustus hint at Roman settlement.
The village of Bergheim likely formed in the 8th or 9th century. It emerged from a forest clearing on a former Roman site. Bishop Embriko is believed to have ordered a predecessor to St. Remigius Church around 1069.
“Berchain” first appeared in an 1172 document from St. Stephan’s monastery. Over time, names like “Perckhaim”, “Berham” and “Berckha” were used. Wellenburg also originated during this period. The estate of Bannacker traces its roots to 1249. Bergheim became part of the Margraviate of Burgau in the early 14th century. Radegundis was first mentioned in 1376. Its name honors Radegund, a maid buried there after her death.
In 1458, Bergheim consisted of 17 farmsteads. Duke Ludwig of Bavaria ordered the village burned down four years later. Wellenburg Castle was first documented in 1463. The Fugger family acquired Wellenburg in 1595. They became Bergheim’s landlords.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Swedish troops ravaged Bergheim and its church. This occurred particularly from 1635 to 1640. The current Baroque church was built in 1690. The parish house was rebuilt in 1773.
A devastating fire struck Bergheim in the early 19th century. It destroyed over 16 houses. Bergheim became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806. Its population was nearly 400. The first schoolhouse was built in 1819. The volunteer fire brigade was founded in 1875.
The Franciscan convent of Maria Stern settled in Bergheim in 1881. A year later, the population grew to over 460. This included Wellenburg, Radegundis and Bannacker. A new schoolhouse was built in 1906. It has served as a kindergarten since 1971. Bergheim got electricity in 1912. Its population reached 500. Central drinking water was supplied in 1961. Neubergheim emerged in 1962.
Bergheim remained an independent rural community until 1972. Despite local opposition, it was merged with Inningen. The town was annexed to Augsburg. Its coat of arms was withdrawn. It depicted the area’s three mountains and symbols of former lords.
New residential areas appeared in the 1980s. Land consolidation was carried out. A multipurpose hall was built. The convent sisters moved into a new building. More construction occurred around the turn of the millennium.
Today, Bergheim continues to evolve. Citizen participation shapes its future. The goal is to revitalize the village center and assess land for housing.
Bergheim is more than just a suburb. It is a place with a rich history, strong community, and promising future. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of time that have shaped this unique corner of Augsburg.