Wondering where the name Coschütz/Gittersee comes from? This statistical district in Dresden combines two distinct yet intertwined locales. Let’s delve into the story of Coschütz/Gittersee.
Coschütz/Gittersee sits in Dresden’s south. It rests on a terraced rise. This elevation marks the northern edge of the Ore Mountains. It also flanks the Plauensche Grund’s eastern side.
Coschütz was first mentioned in 1284 as Coswiz. The name has Slavic origins. It evolved over centuries from “wicz” to “itz”. Gittersee’s name is also of Sorbian origin. It was first mentioned as Geterssin, possibly meaning “morning dawn”.
Coschütz officially became part of Dresden in 1921. Gittersee followed in 1945. Together, they form a unique part of Dresden. The area retains a rural charm. Yet, it lies close to Dresden’s city center.
For centuries, agriculture dominated Coschütz. The fertile loess soils proved ideal. But beneath the surface lay a different story. Coal mining shaped much of the 19th and 20th centuries in Coschütz/Gittersee.
In the 16th century, coal was discovered in the Plauensche Grund. Larger mines emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Claussche Kohlenwerk was established in 1836. After 1945, the Soviets mined uranium-rich coal. This “ore coal” was extracted from tunnels beneath Coschütz and Gittersee.
After World War II, the Wismut AG started building a uranium ore processing plant in Coschütz/Gittersee. Production started in 1952. Due to its unfavorable location relative to the Ronneburg and Aue deposits, the plant closed in 1962.
After the political changes in 1991, the environmental damage from mining became clear. Around 45 million euros were invested in revitalizing the area. The former industrial site became the Gewerbegebiet Coschütz/Gittersee. Today, companies thrive where mines once operated.
The Gewerbegebiet Coschütz/Gittersee spans about 90 hectares. Approximately 41.6 hectares are designated for building. Around 64 companies have established themselves here. The area includes the former Fabrik 95 site.
But there was also a controversial project. In 1987, plans arose for a high-purity silicon plant. It aimed to provide jobs for miners facing unemployment. Residents feared new pollution and the risk of accidents. Public protests ultimately stopped construction.
Coschütz is also known for the Coschütz Tunnel. The Bundesautobahn 17 passes beneath the district through this tunnel. The Karlsruher Straße is an important thoroughfare connecting Coschütz and Gittersee.
The Windbergbahn, Germany’s oldest mountain railway, runs partially in the statistical district. Today, special trains travel the route. A hiking trail follows the former section from Gittersee.
Coschütz/Gittersee blends rural character with industrial history. From its early Slavic roots to its mining past and modern revival, this Dresden district has a unique story. The area stands as a testament to transformation. It also shows the enduring spirit of its community.