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Bügeleisenhaus: Hattingen's Charming Landmark

Discover the unique charm of Hattingen's Bügeleisenhaus, a historic half-timbered building with a fascinating past, shaped by centuries of commerce and community life in the Ruhr region.

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The Bügeleisenhaus (Flatiron House) is a distinctive half-timbered building in Hattingen's old town, dating back to 1611. Its unique shape, resembling a clothes iron, is due to its location at the intersection of two streets. Over the centuries, it has served as a merchant's house, a cloth weaving workshop, a butcher shop, and since 1962, a local history museum. The building's facade features intricate carvings and masks intended to ward off evil. While compact, the Bügeleisenhaus encapsulates Hattingen's rich history and architectural heritage, making it a must-see for visitors exploring the town's medieval core. Though currently closed for renovations, its charming exterior remains a popular photo stop and a reminder of Hattingen's past.

A brief summary to Bügeleisenhaus Hattingen

  • Haldenpl. 1, Hattingen, 45525, DE

Local tips

  • Check the Heimatverein Hattingen website for updates on the Bügeleisenhaus's reopening date and any temporary exhibits or events.
  • Explore the surrounding Haldenplatz and admire the other well-preserved half-timbered houses in Hattingen's old town.
  • Join a guided walking tour of Hattingen to learn more about the history and architecture of the Bügeleisenhaus and other local landmarks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hattingen Mitte (the central bus/tram/train station), walk northeast towards the Altstadt (old town). Follow Heggerstraße, the main shopping street, uphill. Turn left onto Haldenplatz. The Bügeleisenhaus is located on the right side of the square, easily identified by its unique shape. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus or tram at Hattingen Mitte ZOB, follow the walking directions above. Several bus lines serve Hattingen Mitte, including SB37, SB38, 332, and 350. A single ticket within Hattingen costs approximately €1.70 - €3.00 depending on the distance and VRR fare zones.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Hattingen Mitte to the Bügeleisenhaus (Haldenplatz 1) will take approximately 5 minutes and cost around €8-€12. Note that availability may vary.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Haldenplatz 1, 45525 Hattingen. Parking is available in the Altstadt-Parkhaus (Augustastraße) or the Parkplatz Hattingen Ruhr Mitte (Im Bruchfeld 7), both a short walk from Haldenplatz. Parking fees typically range from €0.40-€0.60 per half hour, with daily tickets costing €4-€6. Parking in Hattingen is generally free-of-charge outside of the core hours (Monday - Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm).

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Discover more about Bügeleisenhaus Hattingen

The Bügeleisenhaus, or Flatiron House, stands as one of Hattingen's most recognizable and historically significant landmarks. Constructed in 1611 by Wilhelm Elling, a wealthy merchant, this half-timbered building owes its peculiar shape to its location on Haldenplatz, where two streets converge at an acute angle. This unusual design has earned it the nickname "Bügeleisenhaus" due to its resemblance to a clothes iron. Throughout its long history, the Bügeleisenhaus has witnessed numerous transformations, reflecting the changing fortunes of Hattingen and its inhabitants. Originally built as a residential and commercial property, it housed various businesses and families over the centuries. From 1771 to 1856, it served as a cloth weaving workshop, producing textiles for both local use and military uniforms. In 1856, the building was acquired by Salomon Schmidt, a Jewish butcher, who converted the ground floor into a butcher shop, complete with a slaughter room, sausage kitchen, and retail space. This conversion included the addition of a classicist-style shop window, which remains a distinctive feature of the building's facade. The Bügeleisenhaus also bears witness to the darker chapters of German history. In 1941, during the Nazi era, the building was confiscated from its Jewish owners as part of the regime's systematic persecution and dispossession of Jewish citizens. After World War II, it was transferred to the Jewish Trust Corporation before being acquired by the local heritage association, the Heimatverein Hattingen/Ruhr e.V., in 1955. Recognizing its historical and architectural value, the Heimatverein undertook extensive renovations of the dilapidated building between 1956 and 1962, in cooperation with the State Conservation Office. The restoration aimed to preserve and, in some cases, reconstruct the building's original appearance, making it a model for future preservation efforts in Hattingen's old town. In 1962, the Bügeleisenhaus was reopened as a local history museum, showcasing exhibits on Hattingen's past and cultural heritage. The architecture of the Bügeleisenhaus is notable for its distinctive half-timbered construction, featuring exposed wooden beams and infill panels. The building's trapezoidal floor plan narrows sharply on its southern side, where it measures just 2.57 meters wide, compared to 8 meters on its northern side. The overhanging upper story is supported by decorative brackets and struts, adorned with intricate carvings of masks and volutes. These carvings are not merely ornamental but were also believed to possess apotropaic qualities, warding off evil spirits and misfortune. Inside, the Bügeleisenhaus offers a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits related to the building's various uses, from cloth weaving to butchery. Visitors can also learn about the history of Hattingen and its role as a medieval trading town and industrial center. Today, the Bügeleisenhaus stands as a symbol of Hattingen's resilience and its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. While currently closed for renovations, its charming exterior continues to attract visitors and photographers, who come to admire its unique shape and picturesque setting. The Bügeleisenhaus is not just a building; it is a living testament to Hattingen's past, a reminder of the people who lived and worked within its walls, and a source of pride for the community. Located on Haldenplatz, the Bügeleisenhaus is easily accessible to visitors exploring Hattingen's old town. The surrounding area is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and historic buildings, creating a charming and atmospheric setting. The nearby St. George's Church, the Old Town Hall, and the town's historic fortifications are all within walking distance, making the Bügeleisenhaus a convenient starting point for exploring Hattingen's many attractions. While the museum inside the Bügeleisenhaus is temporarily closed, visitors can still appreciate its architectural beauty from the outside and learn about its history through informational plaques and guided tours. The Heimatverein Hattingen/Ruhr e.V. also offers virtual tours and online resources for those who wish to delve deeper into the building's past. The Bügeleisenhaus is more than just a pretty building; it is a repository of stories, a symbol of community identity, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Bügeleisenhaus is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with a lasting impression of Hattingen's unique charm.

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