Hamm

In 789 AD, a small settlement nestled on the Rhine River first appeared in written records. This settlement, known as Hamm, would become a vital part of Dusseldorf’s history. Hamm, often called Kappes-Hamm by locals to distinguish it from another German city of the same name, boasts a rich past intertwined with Dusseldorf’s growth. Hamm officially became part of Dusseldorf in 1394, solidifying its place in the city’s narrative. Imagine standing on the banks of the Rhine, where Hamm borders Bilk, Volmerswerth, and Dusseldorf’s central harbor. This area, spanning 4.10 square kilometers, is home to a vibrant community. Hamm’s history is marked by significant events. In 1453, a ferry line connected Hamm and Neuss, facilitating trade and travel across the Rhine. This ferry service operated for centuries until the construction of the Josef Cardinal Frings-Bridge. The Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that ravaged Europe, began in Hamm in 1644 when Brandenburg troops entered the settlement. Hamm’s religious history is also noteworthy. The Rochus Chapel, built in 1709, and the Cross Chapel, gifted in 1658 by the Earl of Palatine Philipp Wilhelm, stand as testaments to the community’s faith. Today, the Rochus Chapel serves the Greek-Orthodox Church of Dusseldorf. Hamm’s infrastructure reflects its connection to Dusseldorf and the surrounding region. Tram line 706 links northern Hamm to Dusseldorf’s central and northern districts, while lines 709 and 704 connect the southern part to Dusseldorf and Neuss. Dusseldorf-Hamm station, served by Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn lines S8, S11, and S28, provides access to the Mönchengladbach-Düsseldorf railway, which crosses the Rhine via the Hamm Railway Bridge. As you explore Hamm today, you’ll find a community that has evolved over centuries, retaining its unique identity while contributing to Dusseldorf’s vibrant urban tapestry.