Did the ancient trees of Hixterwald ever witness a Roman legion marching through? Probably not. Hixterwald, also known as Sölder Holz, rests on the edge of Dortmund, bordering Holzwickede. The names Sölderholz, Holzwickede, and even the “-holz” and “-rode” suffixes hint at a much larger forest. Imagine Hixterwald stretching far beyond its current boundaries. Centuries of logging and clearing have shrunk this once vast woodland. The land slopes noticeably from the Kellerkopf in the south down to the Selbachtal valley in the north. Hixterwald cradles the historic source of the Emscher River. Five springs bubble up here, giving life to this important waterway. But Hixterwald holds another, grittier secret. Beneath the trees lie remnants of Dortmund’s early coal mining history. The 18th and 19th centuries saw primitive mining operations throughout the area. Look closely. You might spot Pingen (collapsed mine shafts), old transport routes, and the ghostly remains of the Schwarze Adler colliery. Hixterwald is more than just trees and tranquility. It’s a living testament to Dortmund’s industrial past, a place where nature has reclaimed the scars of industry.
Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule
Established in 1988 the Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule in Bochum is a significant landmark in German education. It was one of the first