The hill Schäferberg (‘shepherd mountain’) near Espenau, Germany received its name because the farmers of Hohenkirchen often brought their cattle there. The inhabitants of Kassel mostly know the name because of the big hotel Waldhotel Schäferberg where you can get to have a good brunch or some cake. But there is also another story to tell: in 1943 the Nazis created here a camp for forced-labour workers from different European countries.
Up to 2000 people where living here in barracks until the camp was freed in 1945. One of these is still standing: the building with the washing facilities is today the tiny church ‘Der gute Hirte‘ (the good shepherd). The reason for keeping this people here under bad conditions is the military production of the Henschel factory – and that is one of the reasons why the city center of Kassel was destroyed in World War II to 92 % and isn’t beautiful anymore today.
Schäferberg
Espenau
Germany
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