Harthof

From rolling pastures to bustling suburb, that’s the story of Harthof in Munich. Harthof isn’t just a name on a map. It’s a district woven from threads of history, stretching from humble beginnings to a vibrant community. Originally part of Feldmoching, Harthof started as grazing land. During the 19th century, settlers began to arrive, establishing a foothold along Schleißeimer Straße. Nearby, since 1838, stood the Bavarian Army’s munition depot, known as the Powder Tower. A key moment in Harthof’s story arrived in 1890 with the construction of the Harthof estate. Built by Munich’s Löwenbräu director Wolf, this estate gave the district its name. While the original building was demolished in 1957, a successor stands on Max-Liebermann-Straße. The name “Harthof” comes from the Feldmoching field name “Hart,” meaning forest or pasture. Harthof became one of the Feldmochinger colonies, separate from the village center. In the early 20th century, the colony grew, expanding along Schleißeimer Straße and westward. The colonists even tried to officially name the settlement Feldmoching-Harthof in 1922. Their attempts were rejected by the municipal council and district office. In 1927, Munich acquired the Harthof estate, leasing it to the Menrad family in 1929, who still reside there. Harthof officially became part of Munich in 1938 when Feldmoching was incorporated. The years between 1934 and 1939 saw significant construction, including barracks for the military. The war took its toll on Harthof in 1944, but agriculture continued until 1960. Post-war Harthof experienced a boom. The population quickly reached 14,000. The GWG, a non-profit housing association, constructed blocks of flats to house refugees and those who lost their homes in the war. The Harthof housing estate was built between 1952 and 1954 in the western part of the district. A district center emerged around 1955 around Weyprechtstraße, featuring St. Gertrud church and the Weyprechthof. Officially designated as the “Harthof district” in 1965, it later became part of districts 11 (Am Hart) and 24 (Hasenbergl-Lerchenau Ost). By 1979, many of the GWG flats needed significant renovations. In 2004, plans were approved to demolish and rebuild these buildings in eastern Harthof. This project has already been completed in the Röblingweg/Lieberweg area. More recently, the Nordhaide housing estate with its sub-center was built in 1999 on Panzerwiese along Neuherbergstraße. Harthof today isn’t just a place of residence. It’s a place of community. From the Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade, founded in 1921, to various churches and sports clubs, Harthof pulses with life. Harthof is easily accessible by the U2 subway line, which opened in 1993. This line replaced the earlier tram lines. Harthof stands as a testament to Munich’s evolving urban landscape. From pasture to bustling suburb, Harthof’s story is etched in its streets, its buildings, and its people.