Bischleben-Stedten

An Erfurt district with charm

The Erfurt district of Bischleben-Stedten is located in the Geratal above Erfurt. The two former communities of Bischleben and Stedten have merged over time to form a single settlement area. With its convenient location on the Steiger, Bischleben-Stedten offers a unique mix of rural beauty and urban flair.

House with garden Margaretha Reichardt Stedten.

The history of Bischleben-Stedten

The history of Bischleben-Stedten goes back a long way and is closely linked to the development of the region. Both places have a rich and eventful past. Bischleben was first mentioned in documents in 818 and was once an agricultural village. Stedten was characterized by the Stedten estate and the von Keller family, who had their family home here for centuries.

Over time, both places developed further and became a district of Erfurt in 1952. The railway line to Erfurt runs through Bischleben-Stedten, with the train station in Bischleben.

  • 1,700 inhabitants
  • Since 1952 a district of Erfurt
  • is located in the west of Erfurt
This is Bischleben-Stedten

Bischleben train station from the Winter viewing point.

Bischleben train station

Catastrophic events shape Bischleben train station

Bischleben station has a tragic past associated with two catastrophic events. The first event occurred shortly after the end of World War II. An American Army ammunition train exploded at Bischleben train station, causing massive destruction in the area. The effects of this explosion can still be felt near the train station to this day.

The second event occurred on June 11, 1981, when an interzone train derailed at Bischleben station. This tragedy claimed the lives of 14 people and seriously injured many more. A memorial plaque on Lindenplatz in Bischleben commemorates this terrible event and urges caution and vigilance.

Bischleben

Bischleben has retained its charming village character. The village is characterized by many old half-timbered buildings. The former excursion restaurant Bachstelzencafe is now known as “Maria Ostzone” and is responsible for culinary highlights. The Athletes' Klause at the sports field opposite the Bachstelze takes care of the day trippers and cyclists on the busy Gera cycle path.

The Steiger, the Erfurt city forest, rises above the village. Strollers, joggers, walkers, cyclists, day trippers, love seekers and dog owners meet here.

The legacy of Stedten

While Bischleben is known for its charm and half-timbered houses, Stedten has a lot to offer with its rich historical heritage. The former Stedten castle and estate were once the pride of the von Keller family, who had their family home here. However, the castle was demolished after expropriation in 1945, and only the St. Elisabeth Church remained as a silent witness to the past.

In the cemetery in front of the church, visitors can still admire the gravestones of many members of the von Keller family. These gravestones are not only historical evidence, but also tell stories of bygone times and the people who once lived in Stedten.

The artist Margaretha Reichardt

Another notable place in Stedten is the house of the Bauhaus artist Margaretha Reichardt. Since 1939 she lived and worked in this house, which is located on the outskirts of Stedten. Reichardt was a talented artist who was trained at the Bauhaus in Dessau and worked with textiles throughout her life. Her handlooms can still be seen in her home today, a valuable legacy of an impressive artist.

The artist Margaretha Reichardt

Another notable place in Stedten is the house of the Bauhaus artist Margaretha Reichardt. Since 1939 she lived and worked in this house, which is located on the outskirts of Stedten. Reichardt was a talented artist who was trained at the Bauhaus in Dessau and worked with textiles throughout her life. Her handlooms can still be seen in her home today, a valuable legacy of an impressive artist.

The advantages of Bischleben-Stedten

Bischleben-Stedten offers its residents a variety of advantages that make it a preferred place to live for Erfurt residents. The convenient location on the Steiger not only offers a breathtaking view, but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature. Hiking trails and cycle paths invite active leisure activities and allow residents to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

In addition, Bischleben-Stedten is well connected to the transport network. Bischleben train station provides fast and comfortable train connections to Erfurt and surrounding cities. The motorway is also easily accessible, which is a great advantage for commuters and travelers.

Church in Erfurt Stedten with the tomb of the Keller family.

Stedten church with gravestones

Contributions from Bischleben-Stedten