“Rüdersdorf bei Berlin,” a name whispered with echoes of industry and nature. Its story stretches back centuries. This place is more than just a municipality. It is a living testament to the transformative power of time and human endeavor.
Rüdersdorf sits east of Berlin. It includes Hennickendorf, Herzfelde and Lichtenow. For centuries, limestone quarrying defined this area. Even now, its legacy is clear. The Brandenburg Gate and the Olympiastadium in Berlin? Both owe their existence to Rüdersdorf’s limestone.
Imagine farmers in the 13th century. They plowed their fields and unearthed large limestone blocks. Wood was the primary building material. But Rüdersdorf’s limestone quickly gained popularity.
By the second half of the 16th century, mass production of quicklime began. Berlin’s rapid development in the early 1700s created a huge demand. Quicklime was needed for the Berlin Palace, houses, and military barracks.
The increased demand led to significant deforestation. Kilns required vast amounts of wood. King Frederick II demanded a reduction in wood consumption. This spurred innovation. The Berliner Kachelofen tile oven emerged. Soon after, a continuously burning kiln was developed. It ran on peat and later coal. This innovation allowed Rüdersdorf to produce 28000 tons of quicklime by 1871.
In 1899, a cement plant opened. It was named “Rüdersdorf Portland Zementwerk”. CO Wegener owned it. This company also ran a brick factory and mined minerals. The location was chosen because previous mining made the land unusable for other purposes.
Under Nazi control, the plant continued cement production until 1944. Then, it shifted to producing chemicals. Bauxite, essential for aluminum production, became the focus. The Nazis needed aluminum for their military. More than 2000 prisoners of war were forced to work there.
After the war, the Soviets repurposed the plant. It became VEB Glühphosphatwerk Rüdersdorf. The company produced magnesium phosphate. By 1959, production exceeded 21000 tons. Later, it produced feed phosphate sold under the Rückana brand. At its peak, about 180000 tons were manufactured.
However, the factory declined. By 1999, production ceased altogether. Pollution from chemicals was discovered.
Today, the abandoned factory attracts visitors. Nature has reclaimed parts of the site. Birds, frogs, and snakes now call it home. Its striking appearance has drawn film crews. “Enemy at the Gates,” “The Monuments Men,” and “The Hunger Games” were filmed here.
Yet, Rüdersdorf is more than its industrial past. It is a place of natural beauty. Theodor Fontane, a poet, spent time here. He stayed at the Kalksee lake.
Today, you can explore the Museumspark Rüdersdorf. It showcases the area’s industrial heritage. You can also enjoy the outdoors. Hike, cycle, swim, or boat.
Rüdersdorf’s coat of arms tells its story. A green lime tree stands rooted. Two red shields flank it. One shows a hammer and pick for limestone quarrying. The other displays a silver turnip for agriculture. These represent the industries implanted in the 13th century by monks.
Rüdersdorf combines industry and nature. It has history and modernity. This is a place to live, work, and explore.