Remember the tale of the Schmandhasen? That amusing nickname is deeply intertwined with the identity of Großenritte. We are now in Großenritte. It is the second largest district of Baunatal.
Großenritte once held the title of the largest municipality. It was the largest in both area and population. The people took pride in this status. They had respectable buildings plus sporting and cultural achievements.
In 1966, Großenritte joined with Baunatal. This happened after fruitful discussions among community leaders. Baunatal then gained city status.
Approaching Großenritte from Hertingshausen offers a stunning view. It is west of the Langenberge with its Burgberg. Many buildings around the Kreuzkirche show a traditional past. This past was shaped by crafts and trade.
People often bought Schmand here long ago. They took it to the market in Kassel. One morning, little Wilhelm lost his sock. They searched for it but could not find it.
The next day was market day in Kassel. People went to the Königsplatz with baskets and pots. When the Schmand pot was nearly empty, something happened. A sock was hanging on the ladle as they scooped out Schmand.
People saw it. There was laughter and talk. This gave the people of Großenritte the nickname Schmandhasen.
Großenritte has ancient roots. Settlements existed here in prehistoric times. The Hünstein is a witness to this time. It is a quartzite menhir about two meters long. It is the oldest cultural monument in Baunatal. This menhir was a ritual site in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Legend says a giant threw it from Hirzstein to destroy Kirchbauna’s steeple.
Großenritte is more than just an old village. It is a place with a long history. It has a unique identity. It is tied to the land and its stories. It is a vital part of Baunatal. Its story continues to evolve.