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Norderstedt
City
Coat of arms
Country	Germany
State	Schleswig-Holstein
District	Segeberg
Government
• Mayor	Katrin Schmieder ( Alliance 90/The Greens Alliance 90/The Greens)
Area
• Total	58 km2 (22 sq mi)
Population
• Total	84,119
• Density	1,500/km2 (3,800/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Vehicle registration	SE

Norderstedt is a city in the south of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, located just outside of Hamburg. It is part of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region the fourth biggest City in Schleswig-Holstein.

History

Norderstedt is a city that was formed by the merging of several smaller settlements, each with its own unique history. The city's history can be divided into key subsections based on these original villages: Friedrichsgabe, Garstedt, Glashütte, and Harksheide. Each area has its own historical development, which eventually led to the creation of the modern city of Norderstedt.

Friedrichsgabe

The settlement of Friedrichsgabe was founded in 1821 as a colony for the poor by the Danish King Frederick VI, who was also Duke of Schleswig and Holstein. The colony, originally intended to help alleviate poverty, was named after the king and was established to cultivate previously uncultivated land. The first settlers, 20 families, were given land to farm in the hopes of making a living from agriculture and no longer relying on the poor relief system. However, the land was difficult to farm, and the settlers also engaged in activities like peat harvesting to survive. Despite initial challenges, Friedrichsgabe grew and by 1872, it became an independent municipality. The area continued to develop through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually becoming a part of Norderstedt after its merger in 1970.

Garstedt

Mall "Herold Center" in Garstedt

Garstedt, one of the oldest areas in Norderstedt, is first mentioned in records dating back to 1370. It was an agricultural village that lay within the jurisdiction of the Pinneberg region. Garstedt remained a small rural settlement until the 19th century. In 1794, the land was reorganized under the Verkoppelungsgesetz (land partitioning law), which allowed for private ownership of land, leading to an expansion of the village. The development of the area accelerated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Garstedt's population rising from 1,327 in 1900 to nearly 5,000 by 1939. The area's connection to Hamburg, particularly with the construction of the U-Bahn station in the 1920s, laid the groundwork for Garstedt's transformation into a suburban community. In 1970, Garstedt became part of the newly formed city of Norderstedt.

Glashütte

The area now known as Glashütte was initially settled by peasants and laborers in the late 17th century, but the village itself was officially named in 1896 by the King of Prussia. The name "Glashütte" derives from a glass furnace established in the mid-18th century by a local Tangstedt landowner. The original settlement was known as "Tangstedter Heide" and was populated by serfs of the Tangstedt estate. After the end of serfdom in 1805 and the implementation of land reforms, the settlement began to grow. By the mid-19th century, Glashütte had developed into a small agricultural community with a growing population, reaching about 900 residents by 1869. The city's economy was supported by peat extraction and agriculture, but over time, it gradually shifted toward residential development, particularly after World War I. Glashütte was incorporated into Norderstedt in 1970.

Harksheide

Harksheide, historically part of the Tangstedt estate, was mentioned for the first time in 1374. As part of the larger Tangstedt estate, Harksheide did not have a central village and was spread out across a number of settlements. Like other rural areas in Schleswig-Holstein, Harksheide was primarily an agricultural community, and the extraction of peat played an important role in its economy. However, the area's population growth slowed during the late 19th century due to industrialization and urbanization in neighboring Hamburg. It was not until the 1920s that Harksheide began to see significant urban development with the establishment of several suburban settlements. By 1939, the population of Harksheide had reached 2,800, and it was formally incorporated into Norderstedt in 1970.

Merging of the Villages and Formation of Norderstedt

In 1970, the villages of Friedrichsgabe, Garstedt, Glashütte, and Harksheide were officially merged to form the city of Norderstedt. This unification marked the beginning of Norderstedt's rapid growth, as the city transitioned from a rural area to a suburban center. The development of Norderstedt was further accelerated by its proximity to Hamburg, particularly after the construction of new transportation infrastructure such as the U-Bahn system and the establishment of Hamburg Airport. Norderstedt's population surged from just over 21,000 at the time of the merger to over 80,000 today, as the city has continued to attract new residents and businesses due to its strategic location and growing urban amenities.

Today, Norderstedt stands as a thriving city in Schleswig-Holstein, with a diverse history rooted in agriculture, industrialization, and suburban development.

Politics

Norderstedt City Hall

Norderstedt is governed as an independent city in Schleswig-Holstein, with a local council responsible for municipal affairs. The city's political landscape is shaped by various parties, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) traditionally being the dominant political force in the region, though other parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) also play active roles.

The mayor, elected every five years, leads the executive branch of the local government, while the city council (Stadtvertretung) has legislative authority, overseeing municipal decisions and budgets. As part of the larger metropolitan region of Hamburg, Norderstedt also works with neighboring towns and cities on regional projects, such as infrastructure planning and economic development.

Twin Cities

Norderstedt is twinned with:

• Kohtla-Järve, Estonia (1989)
• Maromme, France (1966)
• Oadby and Wigston, England, United Kingdom (1977)
• Zwijndrecht, Netherlands (1981)

Economy

TESA Company in Norderstedt

Norderstedt's economy is closely tied to its proximity to Hamburg, one of Germany's major economic hubs. The city has a diversified economy, with a mix of industries including manufacturing, services, technology, and retail. The presence of the Hamburg Airport and its surrounding business park has made Norderstedt a key location for logistics and transportation-related businesses.

In addition, Norderstedt is home to several multinational companies, particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Notable companies, such as the global IT service provider, T-Systems, have offices in the city. Furthermore, Norderstedt has become an attractive location for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to its excellent transport links and business-friendly environment.

The city also has a retail scene, with the Herold-Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the region, serving as a major commercial center. Local businesses thrive alongside large retail chains, and Norderstedt's strategic location in the Hamburg metropolitan area ensures a steady influx of shoppers and tourists.

Culture

Norderstedt boasts a lively cultural scene, with numerous cultural and recreational offerings for its residents and visitors. The city is home to a variety of museums, theaters, and event venues, as well as an active sports community. The Norderstedt Museum, for example, offers exhibits focused on the local history of the region, including displays related to its agricultural past and industrial growth.

The city also hosts several annual events, such as the Norderstedt Summer Festival, which features music, food, and cultural performances. The arts and theater scene is supported by the Norderstedt City Theater, which regularly hosts plays, concerts, and community events. Additionally, there are a number of community centers and cultural organizations that provide a space for artistic expression and local community engagement.

Sports also play an important role in the city's cultural life, with facilities for football, tennis, and other popular sports. The city's location near Hamburg allows residents to enjoy cultural events in the larger city, while also offering the benefits of a smaller, more residential community.

Notable people

• Ernst Bader (1914–1999), actor, composer and songwriter, lived and died there
• Oliver Bendt (born 1946), singer and founder of Goombay Dance Band, lives there
• Uwe Seeler (1936–2022), footballer, lived and died there
• Tom Shaka (born 1953), American singer-songwriter, lives there
• Armin von Gerkan (1881–1969), Baltic German classical archaeologist, lived and died there

Public Transit

Norderstedt-Mitte Subway Station

Norderstedt benefits from its close proximity to Hamburg, providing residents with excellent public transportation links to the city and the surrounding area. The city's transportation infrastructure is centered around the Hamburg U-Bahn (subway) system, with the U1 line connecting Norderstedt to central Hamburg. The U-Bahn stations in Norderstedt, such as Garstedt, provide easy access to Hamburg's city center, making it a popular choice for commuters.

In addition to the U-Bahn, Norderstedt is well-served by a network of buses and regional trains, ensuring connectivity to other towns and cities in the Hamburg metropolitan area. The city's public transport services are operated by the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV), which integrates bus, train, and subway lines into a cohesive transit system.

Norderstedt is also located near Hamburg Airport, which provides national and international flights, further enhancing its connectivity. The airport is easily accessible by public transit, including direct bus routes and the U-Bahn, making Norderstedt a convenient location for both business and leisure travelers.