The earliest settlements in Hattingen are found at the foot of the hill “Nocken”. The first document mentions the village as “Hattuarian” and its name later changes to “Hattingen”.

In 1630, during the war of the “Julich-Klevischen Erbfolgestreit”, the protestant Hattingen yields to the ecclesiastical rule of the great Elector of Brandenburg. The region sinks into poverty. In the era of the Protestant Reformation, the guilds are founded. Especially the drapers gain reputation even in far-away regions. Count Engelbert von der Mark gives the city of Hattingen “Freiheitsrechte” (a lower form of municipal law).

A steel-factory is built at the Henrichshutte in Hattingen. The population increases from 7000 to 13000 inhabitants. The city becomes a member of the “Hanseatic League” and gains privileges to hold weekly markets and fairs.

At the end of WW2, two heavy bombings aimed at Henrichshutte destroy large parts of the city. A total of 174 civilians are killed. The catholic resistance fighter from Niederwenigern, Nikolaus Gross is beatified at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

In 2022, Sparkasse Hattingen has assets of 1 072,88 mln EUR and is the 319th largest savings bank in Germany (“sparkassen”). It contributes to the deposit guarantee scheme of the Savings Banks Finance Group. In addition, Sparkasse Hattingen is a member of the German Savings Bond Fund and is subject to an annual audit. This guarantees the solvency and stability of Sparkasse Hattingen. You can find further information on this website.   Buchhaltung Hattingen