We are now in front of the Murkens Hof Cultural Center.
You probably know that this is where the library and the adult education center (Volkshochschule) are located. Both the library and the adult education center host a variety of events for children and teenagers. These include picture book cinema, children’s theater, concerts, holiday programs, language courses, and workshops to improve your computer skills.
Murkens Hof also regularly hosts a Repair Café, and the community cinema shows a film every Friday from late September to late April. If Murkens Hof is open, you can step inside and, for example, take a look to the left at the library, which has a dedicated section for children and teens. You can also pick up a program for the adult education center, available throughout the building.
Why is it called Murkens Hof?
Let’s head over to the small plaque on the left side of the building for the answer. It tells us that, starting in 1730, Daniel Murken ran an inn here called “Gasthof Murken.” The plaque also gives more historical details and shows that Murkens Hof has a long history closely tied to the founding of Lilienthal.
When the nunnery (founded in 1232) still existed, this was the site of the abbess’s house. The abbess, who led the nunnery, would host visitors here, often from far away. This made Murkens Hof a cultural hub and a meeting place, which it remains to this day.
It’s also worth walking around the building. Behind it is the Wörpe River, which used to flow in front of Murkens Hof. That’s why the street in front is called Mühlenweg (Mill Way), named after a water mill that once stood there.
When Murkens Hof was an inn, boat rides on the Wörpe were popular, and there was even a small petting zoo with pony carts for children. These attractions drew visitors from Bremen and the surrounding areas. On some Sundays, more than 1,000 people came to Lilienthal for a day trip! Many traveled here on the Jan Reiners train, a small railway that ran from Bremen to Lilienthal and on to Tarmstedt between 1900 and 1956. Today, the old train route is a bike path called Jan-Reiners-Weg.
Now you know the origins of the names Murkens Hof and Mühlenweg.
At our next stop, you’ll learn more about the Wörpe.
More info:
Kulturzentrum Murkens Hof
Tel.: (04298) 929-240
https://www.murkens-hof.de/
https://www.vhs-lilienthal.de/
