Abandoned Settlements in Germany: Delving into the History and Mystery of Six Deserted Locations
Deserted Streets and Forsaken Villages: Historical Ghost Settlements in Germany
reporter Sarah Bachmann
The landscape of Germany is peppered with forgotten places, standing as silent sentinels to bygone eras. From crumbling buildings to abandoned villages, there are numerous sites that have been uninhabited for decades or even centuries.
In this piece, we delve into six such ghost villages that invisibly weave a tapestry of German history.
Wollseifen, North Rhine-Westphalia
Set amidst the idyllic Eifel National Park, on Dreiborn Highlands, lies the deserted village of Wollseifen. The quaint half-timbered houses bear witness to a somber chapter in German history, marked by the proximity to the infamous NS Ordensburg Vogelsang.
In the midst of the Second World War, Wollseifen became a target of air raids. The misfortunes, however, were far from over for the residents. Post-war, British forces cleared the village to establish a training area, allotting the inhabitants less than three weeks to vacate their homes.
Today, Wollseifen stands as one of many ghost villages in Germany. This deserted village offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into history, with hiking trails and cozy carriage rides providing access to the abandoned settlement.
Bügelhohe, Bavaria
Nestled directly on the border with the Czech Republic lies Bügelhohe, a village once home to eleven families who were forced to abandon Wenzelsdorf in Bohemia after World War II. Life in Bügelhohe, situated in the Bavarian district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, was difficult. Absent electricity and running water, the settlers struggled against nature in the Upper Palatinate Forest.
One by one, the residents abandoned Bügelhohe, drawn towards the comforts of modern life. Only the last "butcher's house" remains, now serving as an attraction for curious hikers eager to explore the village's past.
Berich in the Edersee, Hesse
A village swallowed by time and water, Berich in the Edertal, officially ceased to exist in 1914, due to the construction of the Edertalsperre and Edersee. Around 400 residents were forced to relocate, but the fate of Berich is not entirely sealed. When the water level of the Edersee drops, the village's remains resurface, offering a captivating glimpse into its rich history.
Lopau, Lower Saxony
Located in the Lüneburg Heath, Lopau remained uninhabited for over forty years. Displaced residents were forced to give up their homes due to the establishment of a shooting range by the German army in the 1980s. A few buildings, a church, and an old school serve as reminders of the past. Occasionally, visitors are granted access to explore the grounds at the edge of Munster-Nord training area.
Kursdorf, Saxony
A once bustling village in Saxony, Kursdorf now stands silent and deserted, a victim of the expansion of Leipzig/Halle Airport. The last residents endured until 2016, but continuous airport noise made life unbearable. Resettlement efforts began in the 90s, and many former residents found a new home in Altscherbitz. All that remains are a few scattered buildings, with the protected church serving as the sole relic of the past.
Bonnland, Bavaria
Near Schweinfurt, in Bad Kissingen's picturesque district, lies Bonnland. Abandoned since the 60s, this seemingly ordinary village was transformed into a significant training area for the German Armed Forces. With approximately 100 abandoned buildings, Bonnland offers soldiers the opportunity for house-to-house combat training.
Ghost villages in Germany are relics of the country's complex history, offering an unparalleled glimpse into its past. These abandoned sites are often visited by explorers and historians, serving as symbols of a bygone era. While some efforts are made to preserve these sites, many remain in a state of decay due to neglect, serving as a poignant reminder of the passage of time.
- Sarah Bachmann delves into Wollseifen, an abandoned village in the Eifel National Park of North Rhine-Westphalia, which was deserted during World War II and offers visitors an opportunity to delve into history through hiking trails and carriage rides. [lifestyle, home-and-garden]
- Bonnland, a seemingly ordinary village near Schweinfurt in Bad Kissingen's picturesque district, is now a significant training area for the German Armed Forces, having been deserted since the 1960s, showcasing a unique blend of historic architecture and modern military practices. [lifestyle, home-and-garden]
