Here in Kleinholthausen, history whispers through the trees. Kleinholthausen is a small suburb of Dortmund. It is part of the Hombruch district. Once known as Lütgenholthausen, Kleinholthausen nestles in the Kirchhörder Bach valley. It lies between Hombruch, Brünninghausen, Kirchhörde, and Löttringhausen.
Imagine Kleinholthausen long ago. In 1347, it was first mentioned as Lutken Holthuisen. Documents from the Clarenberg monastery mentioned Luttekenholthusen between 1349 and 1360. By 1428, it appeared as Kleynen Holthausen. The Storkes Hof zu Lütgenholthausen was first noted in 1572. This name, Lütgenholthausen, remained common into the 20th century.
Kleinholthausen’s name means “by the houses at the wood”. In the late Middle Ages, Kleinholthausen belonged to the Bauerschaft Lutkenholthuyssen. It was part of the Kirchspiel Kirchhörde and Amt Hörde, within the Grafschaft Mark. In 1486, 15 property owners in the Bauerschaft paid taxes. One was Arnt Storck, who paid 4 gold guldens. In 1705, a Storck zu Lütkeholthausen paid taxes to the Rentei Hörde.
Until 1929, Kleinholthausen was part of the rural community of Kirchhörde. Even today, Kleinholthausen retains its rural character. On the edge of Kleinholthausen, near Hombruch, lies the spoil tip of the Zeche Glückauf-Tiefbau mine. Locals call it “Halde Gotthelf” after the mine shaft. The spoil tip is accessible and planted with greenery.
From the Halde Gotthelf, you get a great view. You can see Dortmund’s southern city center, the southern suburbs, Witten, and the Ardeygebirge mountains.
The Zeche Glückauf-Tiefbau was a coal mine. The Romberg family extracted coal here since 1616. In 1752, the Glückauf Erbstollen mine was established. This mine led to Kleinholthausen in the Ardeygebirge. At 5 km long, it was the longest in Dortmund.
As of December 31, 2018, 884 people lived in Kleinholthausen. In 2013, the population was 859. In 2008, it was 870, and in 2003, 888. Today, bus line 447 connects Kleinholthausen to the transportation network. It runs between Huckarde, Hombruch, and Hacheney. Shopping is limited to nearby towns.
Kleinholthausen offers a glimpse into Dortmund’s past. It is a place where mining history meets rural charm. Take a moment to appreciate this unique blend.