Once a late Slavic settlement, Hermsdorf now thrives as a locality of Berlin. It is situated in the Reinickendorf borough. Let me tell you its story.
In the late 11th century, a Slavic settlement emerged along the Tegeler Fließ. It was designed like a widened cul-de-sac village. Around 1230, German settlers took possession of the village. However, they maintained the Slavic population.
With the takeover, a wooden church likely appeared. Although the exact time is unknown, archaeological traces of a wooden church were found. These remnants were discovered under a 16th-century timber-framed church. The wooden church likely dates back to the early 13th century. Hermsdorf was first mentioned in 1349 as Hermanstorp.
In 1349, Hermsdorf became a knight’s estate under Busse Milow. From 1585 to 1694, it belonged to the von Götze family of Rosenthal. Around 1585, the family built a knight’s seat. However, it was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War around 1640. The von Pfuel family also held possessions in the village from 1489 to 1634.
A postal agency opened in Hermsdorf in 1865. In 1898, a brine spring was discovered. Sadly, it dried up ten years later. Back then, the place was called Hermsdorf in der Mark.
In 1877, a ground-level stop was opened on the Berlin Northern Railway. Between 1909 and 1910, the tracks were elevated onto today’s embankment. Electric S-Bahn trains have stopped at today’s Hermsdorf station since 1925. The station was inaugurated in 1913.
On April 1, 1907, the Hermsdorf estate district was incorporated into the rural community. In the same year, a gas and water plant was built. The fire station was inaugurated in 1914. In 1920, Hermsdorf was incorporated into Greater Berlin. It became part of the Berlin district of Reinickendorf. That same year, the Dominikus Hospital was inaugurated.
Between 1923 and 1926, the Hermsdorf celluloid goods factory offered celluloid dolls. Their trademark was a ladybug with the letters DADA.
Hermsdorf is home to several notable people. Herbert Lindner was an entrepreneur and inventor. Ulrich Kottenrodt was a sculptor. Ilse Koehn was a writer.
The coat of arms of Hermsdorf features a silver church. The tower is on the heraldic left side. It stands against a blue sky on a red background.
Today, Hermsdorf covers an area of about 6.1 square kilometers. Its population was 16,611 as of December 31, 2023. That is a population density of 2,723 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Points of interest include the old village center. The Dorfkirche Hermsdorf is a baroque hall building from 1830. The Apostle Paul Church was consecrated in 1935. The Maria-Gnaden-Kirche dates back to 1934. You can also visit the Reinickendorf Museum. It features an exhibition on the history of Reinickendorf and its districts.
Hermsdorf continues to evolve. It balances its historical roots with modern life. The district is a vibrant part of Berlin. Its story is etched in every street and building.