Haven’t you heard about a place in Hamburg where agriculture thrives? That place is Spadenland. Let’s explore this unique quarter in the borough of Bergedorf.
Spadenland is a hidden gem. It is located on the Elbe River. Agriculture is very important here. The area helps to supply the metropolitan area with fresh produce.
Spadenland has a rich history. In 1371, the area was called Inwerder or Ochsenwerder Ausschlag. It served as compensation for farmers from Ochsenwerder. They had lost their fields and meadows due to storm floods. Count Otto I of Schauenburg owned the land back then. Hamburg bought large parts of the Marschlande in 1395. The city wanted to secure trade and shipping. The price was 2,500 marks. In 1410, the Landherrenschaft Bill- und Ochsenwerder took over administration.
Since 1465, Spadenland has had its current name. The name comes from the old dike law, the Spatenrecht. This law stated that every resident had to help maintain the vital dike. If a resident did not fulfill this obligation, they could be dispossessed. A spade was symbolically driven into the dike near their property. According to the oldest Billwerder Landrecht, anyone who intentionally damaged the dike would be punished with death by the wheel.
Hamburg established the Landherrenschaft der Marschlande in 1830. The Ochsenwerder Vogt was responsible for Spadenland. The area belonged to the Ochsenwerder parish together with Tatenberg. Spadenland was connected to the electricity grid relatively late, in 1920. Water supply was also delayed until 1935/36. Spadenland was not directly affected by the major storm surge of 1962. The dikes held firm.
Until the 1960s, it was common to transport harvested vegetables to the city for sale. However, some farms started selling directly. Today, many farm shops are established here. Extensive construction work significantly increased the height of the dike in 1999/2000.
Spadenland is thinly populated. Agriculture and vegetable cultivation shape the landscape. You will notice the rural character. Despite its proximity to Hamburg’s city center, it feels like a world away.
The infrastructure is limited due to the small population and remote location. Transport options are not great. There is no train station here. However, there are bus lines. They connect Spadenland to Hamburg and surrounding areas.
The Spadenländer Spitze is a unique attraction. The relocation of the dike line has restored a typical Elbe floodplain landscape. It provides habitat for many endangered species of animals and plants.
Remember the hard Deichrecht. “Wer nich diken wull, mut wiken!” It means if you don’t maintain the dike, you must leave. Spadenland’s history is closely linked to its dikes. These protect the land and its people from the Elbe’s power.
So, next time you think of Hamburg, remember Spadenland. It is a place where rural life and agriculture thrive. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of its residents.