Schinkel

Who would have guessed that a hill’s shape could give a district its name? Schinkel in Osnabrück likely owes its moniker to the flank-like form of the Schinkelberg, or Schinkel Hill. First documented in 1332, Schinkel became part of Osnabrück on April 1, 1914. Today, this vibrant district is home to roughly 13,300 people. Schinkel pulsates with a unique energy. Its heart beats around Schützenstraße, a bustling area teeming with shops, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and bank branches. Every Wednesday, the air fills with the lively chatter of the Wochenmarkt, a weekly market set up on Ebertallee, nestled between the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche and Pauluskirche. Schinkel isn’t just about commerce. It’s a place where generations of leasers and traders have lived and worked, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry more pronounced here than in any other district of Osnabrück. This vibrant community also boasts numerous primary schools, kindergartens, and a variety of sports clubs. These clubs include the likes of VfL Osnabrück, SC Türkgücü, VfB Schinkel, Blau-Weiß Schinkel, and Sportfreunde Schinkel-Ost. A citizens’ association and several choirs add to the vibrant social scene. For those seeking relaxation, the Schinkelbad, a spacious indoor swimming pool, offers a refreshing escape. Sports fans flock to the osnatel-Arena, home to VfL Osnabrück, located near the Bremer bridge. Schinkel’s diverse spiritual landscape is marked by two Protestant churches, Pauluskirche and Jakobuskirche, and two Catholic churches, Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche and St. Maria Rosenkranzkirche. Two mosques, Fatih Camii and Takwa, further reflect the district’s multicultural character. Interestingly, the Gnadenkirche, a Reformed Protestant church built in 1960, was largely demolished due to financial constraints. Only its bell tower remains, a poignant reminder of the past, as a daycare center now occupies the former church grounds. Schinkel’s history has been touched by war. During World War II, air raids ravaged Osnabrück. Schinkel felt the impact on June 23, 1940. The Osnabrücker Kupfer- und Drahtwerk (Osnabrück Copper and Wire Works), known as OKD and now KM Europa Metal, was targeted. By war’s end in May 1945, 65% of the factory lay in ruins. Schinkel even has a connection to the fight against National Socialism. Pastor Richard Karwehl, active in the Pauluskirche during Nazi rule, openly opposed the regime. His Christian convictions led him to become a key figure in the Confessing Church. Today, Richard-Karwehl-Platz, the square in front of the church, honors his bravery. From a hill’s gentle slope to a vibrant, diverse community, Schinkel’s story continues to unfold.