Parktor Speckenbüttel

Whispers of history echo through Speckenbüttel Park. Here stands the enchanting Parktor Speckenbüttel. It’s a captivating gateway to the past. This seemingly medieval entrance, with its steep red roof and flanking round towers, transports you back to a bygone era. Parktor Speckenbüttel was designed by Lehe’s city architect, Heinrich Lagershausen, in 1896. It marked the entrance to what was then known as “Alte Holz,” a beloved spot for locals. The park evolved from this wooded area and surrounding marshland. By 1906, it had transformed into a 13-hectare park with ponds and gardens. Later, thanks to Viennese garden architect Viktor Goebel, it expanded to an impressive 75 hectares. The benefactor behind Parktor Speckenbüttel was Bernhard von Glahn. He had returned to Lehe in 1880, a wealthy man after years in the USA. Von Glahn’s generosity also extended to a bronze Columbus statue within the park, though sadly it was melted down during World War I. The Parktor Speckenbüttel bears a poem above the entrance. It invites all, rich and poor, to enter and appreciate the natural beauty within. Interestingly, the plaque mistakenly attributes the poem to Emil Ritterhans. It was actually penned by a Mr. Schaberg-Frölich for the Barmen Beautification Society in 1868. From horse-drawn carriages to electric trams, the Parktor Speckenbüttel has witnessed changing times. Until 1982, the tram line terminated here, its final stop marked by a loop installed in 1909. Now, buses navigate the area. The Parktor Speckenbüttel itself has also seen new life. After serving as a youth center, it underwent significant renovations in 1990-1991. Now restored to its former glory, it stands as a testament to Bremerhaven’s rich history and the vision of Bernhard von Glahn. As you step through Parktor Speckenbüttel, imagine the countless visitors who have passed beneath this very archway. Each footstep echoes a story, a moment in time preserved within the heart of Speckenbüttel Park.