Opened in 1849, Bahnhof Witten-Annen has seen a lot of history. Originally called “Annen” station, it became “Annen Nord” after a new south station opened in 1880. Bahnhof Witten-Annen Nord has served both passenger and freight traffic. Over the years, the station has undergone major transformations. The old BME station building was replaced by commercial buildings. The freight loading ramp disappeared in the 1990s. Now, Bahnhof Witten-Annen primarily serves the S5 line of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn, connecting Dortmund and Hagen. Trains run every 30 minutes between Dortmund and Witten, and hourly between Witten and Hagen. The station is also a hub for bus lines 320, 375, and 373, connecting to various locations like Witten’s center, Ruhr University Bochum, and the neighboring town of Sprockhövel. Despite its importance, Bahnhof Witten-Annen Nord has faced criticism. The station lacks accessibility for wheelchair users, with access only via steep stairs. The underpass is often reported as dirty and unpleasant. While the station receives regular cleaning three times a week, its condition remains a concern for both the city of Witten and commuters. Local authorities have engaged with Deutsche Bahn to address these issues, but progress has been slow. Although not a major hub, Bahnhof Witten-Annen remains a vital link for commuters in the Witten area. Its history reflects the evolving needs of the region. Its current state represents an ongoing challenge to balance functionality with passenger comfort and accessibility.
Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule
Established in 1988 the Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule in Bochum is a significant landmark in German education. It was one of the first