Bergerhausen

In the year 943, a name first echoed through the annals of history: Bergarahuson. Today, we stand in Bergerhausen, a vibrant district nestled within the heart of Essen, Germany. Bergerhausen wasn’t always part of Essen. It was incorporated into the city in 1910. Before that, it was a part of the rural Bürgermeisterei Rellinghausen. Imagine the transformation from quiet countryside to bustling city district. Bergerhausen is bordered by several other districts. These include Steele and Überruhr-Hinsel to the east, Rellinghausen and Stadtwald to the south, Rüttenscheid to the west, and Huttrop to the north. The Ruhr River flows along its southeastern edge. Bergerhausen is a district of contrasts. It boasts dense residential areas yet retains numerous green spaces. It’s home to the Gewerbegebiet Zeche Ludwig, a commercial area built on the site of the former Zeche Ludwig mine. This mine, along with the nearby Zeche Kunstwerk, are among the oldest mines in the Ruhr region. Can you picture the miners toiling away, extracting coal and iron ore from the earth? One of the figures connected to the Zeche Kunstwerk is Franz Dinnendahl. He built the first steam engine in the Ruhr region in 1803. His factory, the Kunstwerkerhütte, stood near the mine. The remnants of this industrial past are still visible today, in the form of a preserved assembly hall, now transformed into modern loft apartments. Bergerhausen also holds remnants of a more rural past. The Schuyrmans Gud, now known as Bauer Gantenberg, stands as a testament to this history. This farm, with its main house dating back to 1810, was the last working farm in Bergerhausen, operating until 2004. Imagine life in Bergerhausen during those times, a blend of agriculture and burgeoning industry. The district also holds several churches. St. Hubertus Church, completed in 1914, stands as the last neo-Gothic vaulted basilica in the Diocese of Essen. The Pax-Christi-Kirche, with its unique double-church design, and the Johanneskirche also mark the spiritual landscape of Bergerhausen. Today, Bergerhausen is a thriving community of around 11,700 people. It is well-connected to the rest of Essen and beyond, with direct access to the A52 motorway and excellent public transport links. As you stroll through Bergerhausen, consider its journey. From a small settlement mentioned in ancient documents to a dynamic district of a major city, Bergerhausen holds within its streets echoes of its rich and varied past.