Imagine living in a village that feels separate. Yet it is still within a big city. That is Wichlinghofen in Dortmund.
Wichlinghofen is more than just a place on a map. It is a part of Dortmund with a unique identity. About 3,500 people live here making it feel like its own village.
Let’s step back in time. The first recorded mention of Wichlinghofen was around 1220. It appeared as Wichardinchoven in the records of Essen Abbey. In 1387, a Gobelinus de Wychardynchoven was noted.
The name Wichlinghofen comes from the old farms. It means a settlement near the farms of Wighard. Over the years, the name changed. It went from Wicherdinkhoven to Wycherinchoven before becoming Wichlinghofen in 1841.
Wichlinghofen was once a rural community. In 1885, it had farmland, meadows, and woods. There were 33 houses with 44 families and 276 residents.
In 1922, Wichlinghofen became part of Wellinghofen. Wellinghofen later joined Dortmund.
Today, Wichlinghofen covers 170.4 hectares. About 15 people live on each hectare. It is known for its detached houses. Wichlinghofen is considered one of Dortmund’s wealthier residential areas.
The people of Wichlinghofen are unique. In 2023, 2,420 people called it home. The population includes fewer young people than the Dortmund average. But it has a higher percentage of residents over 65.
The unemployment rate in Wichlinghofen is low. Also, the average income is much higher than in Dortmund overall.
The city of Dortmund is investing in Wichlinghofen. They are building a rain retention basin. This will help manage water and prevent flooding.
Wichlinghofen continues to evolve. It balances village charm with city life. It looks back to its historical roots and forward to a sustainable future. It is a neighborhood that values its unique character within the larger city of Dortmund.