Picture the Schwanenteich a tranquil lake nestled in the heart of Reutershagen. Its serene waters reflect the surrounding greenery. This is Reutershagen a Rostock district brimming with history.
Reutershagen’s story begins not in grand castles but in modest homes. In 1919 following World War I some areas were incorporated into Rostock. This included Reutershagen. Initially envisioned as Kleinsiedlung Barnstorf-Bramow a garden city it blossomed. The first houses appeared in 1920 along Siedlungsweg now Liningweg. Each plot offered roughly 800 square meters. Many featured double houses reflecting a vision of self-sufficiency. Residents cultivated their own gardens. They raised livestock. They even leased fields for growing crops. The name Reutershagen didn’t appear until 1922. This year is celebrated as its birth year.
A new chapter unfolded in 1934. The Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke expanded. They built a worker’s settlement in Reutershagen. This area is now known as Alt-Reutershagen. The streets here bear names inspired by the works of Fritz Reuter a famous Low German writer. The area’s charm lies in its single and double-family houses each with its own garden.
Further development saw the construction of the Komponistenviertel. Starting in 1937 this district features charming brick-fronted houses. This is alongside the area around Wiener Platz which began in 1939. Both districts were largely inhabited by workers from the Heinkel factory.
The Schwanenteich’s surrounding parklands were finally completed in 1961. In 1969 the Kunsthalle Rostock opened its doors as a museum for contemporary art. It’s a stunning example of East German architecture. The Kunsthalle showcased East German Modern art. It featured works from the Baltic Sea region. The collection even included pieces by renowned artists like Otto Dix and Käthe Kollwitz.
Post-war reconstruction saw the emergence of Reutershagen I and II. These were Rostock’s first post-war housing developments. Reutershagen I used traditional brickwork. Reutershagen II showcased Rostock’s first foray into prefabricated concrete construction. Together they provided 9772 apartments.
The 1975 construction of St Andreas Church stands out as a rare new church built during the GDR era. The church’s modern design complements the diverse architectural landscape of Reutershagen.
Today Reutershagen remains a beloved district. It blends its history with modern life. Its relaxed atmosphere the proximity to the city center and abundant green spaces. These draw residents and visitors alike. The southern Komponistenviertel stands out as particularly attractive. Its spacious double houses blend seamlessly into the neighboring Gartenstadt district.