Can you believe this green space in the heart of Dortmund connects the city to nature? This is the Stadewäldchen. It’s more than just a park. It’s a link between the urban environment and the serene forests to the south.
The Stadewäldchen’s story begins with a brewery owner named Stade. Back in the 1920s, Stade leased land here. He wanted to create a park. It was then known as Stadewäldchen. The park offered a walking path from Dortmund’s city center. It led to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Hain. Today we know it as Westfalenpark. There was even a beer garden in the north of the park.
In 1939, the city of Dortmund leased the land. It sat between Saarlandstraße and Markgrafenstraße. The city created a public green space. Then in the 1950s, Dortmund bought the land. Throughout the 60s, the city acquired more land. This created a green connection. It stretched from the city center to Westfalenpark. From there, one could walk through greenery to the forests in the south.
The Bundesgartenschau in 1959 gave the Stadewäldchen a boost. The city wanted an attractive walking path. It would connect garden show visitors to Dortmund’s center. Today, the Stadewäldchen is a popular green space. People use it as a walkway. They also enjoy it as a place to relax.
The Stadewäldchen covers five hectares. It stretches from the Dortmund-Stadthaus S-Bahn stop to the Bundesstraße 1. Within this green space, there’s a monument. It commemorates the expulsion of Germans. This was from Central and Eastern Europe between 1945 and 1950. It also remembers those deported at the end of World War II.
If you are feeling hungry or thirsty, head to the north. You’ll find the Restaurant Stadewäldchen. It has an inviting beer garden. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The Stadewäldchen is a testament to Dortmund’s commitment. It provides green spaces. It connects people to nature. It offers a place for remembrance and recreation. Take a stroll through the Stadewäldchen. Experience a blend of history, nature, and urban life.