HISTORY

1299: Foundation of Niederwutzen (Osinow Dolny)

Niederwutzen (Osinow Dolny) was initially a small Slavic fishing settlement, which was first mentioned in the history books in 1299 in the middle of the flood plain of the Odra River. In the course of time the settlement passed to the Cedynian Cistercians. Subsequently, Germans also settled there. As time went on and the order became secularized, the place became part of the Cedynier community. Even today the character can be seen with the typical arrangement, where the church was in the center of the village and the farmsteads were built around the castle.

1753: Construction of the first bridge

The first bridge was built already in 1753, which had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1791. The beautiful bridge made of steel was built in 1903 and connected Bad Freienwalde with Cedynia by a narrow-gauge railroad.

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1936 to 1938: construction of the Niederwutzen pulp and paper mill

The Polish market Hohenwutzen is located on the premises and in the buildings of the former pulp and paper factory Niederwutzen, which was built in the period 1936 to 1938 by the concern Waldhof. More than 400 people are said to have been employed here at that time in the production of pulp and paper. At that time, there was also a railroad line here, which, however, was destroyed during the war, as was the Oder Bridge.

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1945: Second World War

During a battle in early 1945 between an SS paratrooper unit and the Soviet army, the site was almost completely destroyed, while the factory with its buildings was essentially preserved remained.

Except for the huge chimney of the combined heat and power plant (today stage to the Oder or car wash), which was blown up in 1945, most of the buildings have been preserved. Due to the massive construction of the buildings, they were able to withstand the heavy battle for Niederwutzen, even though the traces of the bomb impacts and shell splinters can still be clearly seen today.

After the end of the war, practically all the equipment and machinery from the pulp and paper mill were dismantled and shipped to the Soviet Union.

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1952: New construction of the bridge

After the Oder Bridge was blown up during the withdrawal of the Wehrmacht in 1945, it was rebuilt in 1952. The architecturally outstanding arches were dispensed with.

Railroad tracks were not built on the new Oder Bridge; the original Freienwalde-Zehden rail line ended at the eastern end at Hohenwutzen Station at this time, before the rail line was officially closed entirely in 1967.

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From 1992: New life arrives

After the site had sunk into a slumber, new life emerged from 1992. Initially with the production of pasture articles, signs and small boats, soon after with the first market stalls and a gas station. Steadily, one of the largest markets on the German-Polish border developed on the former factory site.

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04.11.2012: Major fire

In the early evening of 04.11.2012, a fire occurred at a market stall in the outdoor area, which quickly spread to the entire section of the outdoor passage as well as to the eastern part of the market hall. Thus, within a few hours, more than 300 market stalls were destroyed, some of them completely. Around 100 German firefighters were able to support their colleagues from Poland to prevent worse. By spring 2013, the market had already been completely rebuilt and all traders were able to return to their previous locations.

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05.07.2014: German-Polish Integration Day

On 05.07.2014 the 1st German-Polish integration day of the volunteer fire department in history took place on the Polish market Hohenwutzen. A total of 10 fire departments from Poland and Germany showed here their skills in various competitions, such as "suction pipe long throw" or slamon running with the "alcohol goggles". The successful event for the whole family was rounded off with a large offer for children, various program highlights as well as a prize money of 30.000,- € for the participating fire departments.

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Steady development

Since 2018, extensive renovation and expansion measures have been taking place on the 50-hectare site. The former factory halls are being successively expanded, a children's playground has been built, a new parking lot for over 300 cars including an e-charging station and a camping site, which is also being continuously expanded and extended.

Due to the still partly considerable price, wage and tax advantages compared to Germany, Poland has considerable location advantages, which is why the positive development of the Polish market Hohenwutzen will continue in the future.

We look forward to a future together with you.

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