A Closer Look at the Evolution of Lastadie on the Trave River
Origin of the Name Explanation
In our previous article, we touched upon the historical significance of Lastadie, a district in Lübeck, Germany, that played a pivotal role in the city's maritime past. Today, let's delve deeper into the district's evolution and the changes it underwent over the centuries.
Historical Context
The name Lastadie is derived from the Middle Low German word lasten, meaning "to load." This moniker reflects the district's primary function as a hub for loading and unloading goods and ships.
Chronological Timeline
- The first mention of the name Lastadie can be traced back to 1548.
- In the following centuries, Lastadie emerged as a vital centre for docks, warehouses, and ship repair and construction workshops.
- The district's strategic location along the Trave River made it ideal for maritime commerce and shipbuilding, fostering a thriving economic zone.
Renaming and Modern Changes
- Over time, parts of Lastadie and its shipyards underwent renaming due to administrative reforms, urban development, or repurposing.
- For instance, the southern section of Lastadie was removed from the Lübeck address book in 1894, as the old shipbuilding sites disappeared.
- The northern section, above the 1893-built turning bridge, was renamed Behnkai in 1899, in honor of Senator Heinrich Theodor Behn.
- Am Holstenhafen at the turning bridge is now the current Lastadie.
Redesign and Repurposing
- The redesign of the Wall half-island at the beginning of the 1990s did not specify a complete redesign for the Lastadie.
- However, a significant portion of Lastadie was altered during the redevelopment, with the remaining railway tracks and businesses being replaced to make way for a hotel and the Music and Congress Hall.
- A new street named Lastadie was laid out in 1934, beginning at Holstentorplatz and running parallel to Straße Auf der Wallhalbinsel.
Legacy
- Despite the modern changes, Lastadie remains an essential cultural and historical area in Lübeck.
- Its shipbuilding heritage reflects the city’s maritime past and its once vital role in Baltic and North Sea trade networks.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll explore some of the notable shipyards that operated within Lastadie and the ships they built!
In the redevelopment of the Wall half-island during the early 1990s, a new street named Lastadie was introduced, extending from Holstentorplatz to Straße Auf der Wallhalbinsel. Over time, parts of the Lastadie district have undergone renaming and repurposing, with some sections evolving into a home-and-garden area that showcases a contemporary lifestyle, echoing the district's diverse history.
