On the border between Recklinghausen and Herten, a small farming settlement has survived over the centuries: the Hochlar farming community. There are still a few old half-timbered houses of cultural and historical importance here and the surrounding meadows and pastures invite you to take a walk.
The Hochlar farming community, photo: Uwe Knaak [ruhr-guide] The district of Hochlar lies between Recklinghausen and Herten-Disteln. Here in the Hochlartal you can find the culturally and historically significant Hochlar farming community. Even if they are no longer in their original size, it is worth visiting the old courtyards, pastures, streams and ponds.
Farmer's market in Hochlar
The popular farmers' market takes place every year in mid-October around the old farmer's market in the Hochlar farming community and on the farms in Hochlar. Then thousands of visitors stream into the peasantry and enjoy the autumn days between the old half-timbered houses. Handicrafts, natural products, honey from the region and numerous other autumn products are on offer. Everywhere there are nice places to stop and enjoy delicacies. We can only recommend a visit.
The old peasantry
The cluster settlement of dependent farmsteads belonging to the Hochlar peasantry is unique in its agglomeration in a very small space. Today, the Hochlar farming community is also considered an "ensemble of farms of cultural and historical importance". The pretty houses also attract visitors from outside of Recklinghausen: ideal for a Sunday stroll!
Farmers in Hochlar, photo: Uwe Knaak
District with history
Hochlar was already a settlement area in the Stone Age. Around 400 AD the Brukterer lived here. Hochlar was first mentioned in a document in 1050 under the name "Huhlare". Today 3,903 inhabitants live here. In the Middle Ages, the gallows for criminals and the pyre for witches stood on the Segensberg. The last unfortunate woman was burned there in 1620. Plague patients were isolated in the nearby infirmary, while the Marpental near the peasantry can even boast of a military conflict in 1345.
It was not until 1926 that Hochlar was incorporated into Recklinghausen. It has partly retained its village character to this day as a "village in the big city". Today, Hochlar is also a popular new development area in the green outskirts of Recklinghausen.