How about a walk through Essen’s Stadtwald a green haven? This isn’t just any ordinary woodland. Stadtwald is a place brimming with history and fresh air. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
The story of Stadtwald starts with industry. Essen was booming in the early 20th century. Erich Zweigert was the mayor. He had great foresight. Zweigert realized the growing population needed green spaces. He wanted places for recreation.
So, the city purchased 105 hectares of woodland. It was largely owned by the Vittinghoff-Schell family. The city spent 1.9 million Goldmarks to secure it. The goal was to create a recreational area. They reforested the land. A network of paths was laid out. These paths still exist today.
In 1909, grateful citizens erected a monument. It honored the late Mayor Zweigert. The Zweigertstein stands as a reminder of his vision. Following this, in 1910, the area was officially named Stadtwald. The name translates to “City Forest”.
Before becoming Stadtwald, this area was farmland. It was known as the “granary” of Rellinghausen. It belonged to the Stift Rellinghausen. Place names like Leveringstraße remind us of this agricultural past. Kellermanns Busch and Gebrandenhof also echo old farms.
You might wonder about the Burgruine Vittinghoff. This ruin lies on Vittinghoffstraße in Stadtwald. It is a remnant of a medieval water castle. It was once the seat of the Vittinghoff family. They also owned Schellenberg Castle. The Jagdhaus Schellenberg was theirs too.
The Stadtwald of today is primarily residential. It boasts many green spaces. Mining once occurred here. But no signs of it remain.
The Stadtwald is home to a large riding club. The Reithalle is a landmark. Architects Alfred Fischer and Richard Speidel designed it. It was built in the Bauhaus style in 1929. In a forest park learn about local plants and animals. This park sits on the grounds of a former bird park.
Sports enthusiasts gather at the Schillerwiese. This is a large sports field. The Uhlenkrugstadion is nearby. It seats around 20,000. The Schwarz-Weiß Essen football club plays its home games here.
The Schillerbrunnen is another point of interest. It was inaugurated in May 1905. This honored Friedrich Schiller’s 100th death anniversary.
Stadtwald offers a blend of history. It combines recreation and residential charm. It stands as a testament to Essen’s commitment to green spaces. The vision of Erich Zweigert lives on in every tree. It lives on every path in Stadtwald. So take a deep breath. Enjoy the tranquility. Remember the history beneath your feet in Stadtwald.