Beneath the imposing silhouette of the Klinikum Harlaching, a story unfolds. A story of Untergiesing-Harlaching, a district woven from distinct threads of history and culture. Untergiesing-Harlaching wasn’t always a unified entity. It’s a fusion of Untergiesing, Harlaching, and Siebenbrunn, each with its own distinct character. The Isar River, a constant presence, shapes the western edge of this vibrant borough.
Untergiesing, the northernmost part, hugs the Isar and stretches eastward to the prominent cliff. Its boundaries are etched by the Humboldtstraße to the north and Candidstraße, part of the Mittlerer Ring, to the south. Further south lies Siebenbrunn, nestled between the river and the cliff. Within its borders, the renowned Tierpark Hellabrunn, Munich Zoo, welcomes visitors from around the world. Harlaching and Neuharlaching complete the tapestry of Untergiesing-Harlaching. The Klinikum Harlaching, a prominent landmark and vital medical institution, stands as a testament to the district’s commitment to health and well-being. It first opened its doors on November 18, 1899.
Delve deeper into Harlaching’s past, and uncover a history stretching back to the Iron Age. Archaeological whispers hint at early settlements. Ancient graves reveal a continuous, though sparse, Celtic presence. Around 1150, the name “Hadaleichingen” emerges, possibly derived from a personal name. The heart of old Harlaching pulsed around St. Anna Kircherl, a church on Harlachinger Berg. First documented in 1186, the church was connected to Tegernsee Monastery. Nearby stood Harlaching Castle, now lost to time, consumed by flames in 1796. In 1854, Harlaching, with its mere 50 inhabitants and popular destinations like Menterschwaige, became part of Munich.
The 20th century ushered in an era of rapid development. Gabriel von Seidl and Max Littmann designed the Gartenstadt Harlaching, a garden city preserving its green heart to this day. The Villenkolonie Menterschwaige, a residential area with villas, followed along the Isar’s high banks. In 1910, a tram line connected Munich’s center to Grünwald, accelerating the popularity of Isar Valley excursions and increasing settlement pressure. Tierpark Hellabrunn arrived in 1911, drawing even more visitors. Today, Alt-Harlaching, including Menterschwaige, boasts elegant villas and some of Munich’s highest rents. Neuharlaching’s development began around 1920, with modest homes and community housing. Untergiesing tells a different tale. It largely blossomed in the 19th and 20th centuries, transforming from a sparsely populated area with mills and the Auwald forest to a bustling urban district.
As you stand in Untergiesing-Harlaching, you are surrounded by the echoes of these stories. A blend of old and new, nature and urban life. A testament to Munich’s rich and evolving history.