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Our History

Our History

From the House by the Pond to the Parkhotel

The Parkhotel in Nümbrecht opened on January 29, 1986, and has since become a defining feature of Nümbrecht’s landscape. However, the building’s history begins as early as 1956. The need for a community center in Nümbrecht was recognized early on, and a youth center was planned as far back as 1929. Construction only became feasible in 1954, after the necessary capital could be secured. The gymnasium by the village pond was completed in 1956. From then on, it served as a venue for activities, gatherings, and meetings. The “House by the Pond,” as it was later called, became increasingly popular and was used over the years for various cultural and social events. In 1967, it was expanded and renovated; in 1981, the municipality purchased the building for comprehensive renovation. Finally, in March 1983, ten years after the official recognition of Nümbrecht as a health resort in 1973, the “House by the Pond” was officially opened as a spa house. Nümbrecht received the designation “Therapeutic Climate Health Resort” in 1987.

Historic black-and-white photograph of a building by the water with reflection.

Heinrich Peters (1854–1917)
Lina Peters (1856–1916)

A Legacy for Nümbrecht…

The Wuppertal attorney Dr. Horst Frese (1903–1982) often spent his childhood with his grandparents Lina and Heinrich Peters in the village of Distelkamp, now a district of Nümbrecht. Three years before his death, he emphasized in his will that his “life’s work should serve a purpose for the common good.” Thus, he stipulated that his considerable fortune be placed into a charitable foundation, the “Frese-Peters Foundation”—for the purpose of beautifying Nümbrecht, maintaining and enhancing the spa park facilities, and promoting tourism. This made possible, among other things, the expansion and extension of the former spa house into today’s Parkhotel in the following years.

Due to his close relationship with his two grandparents, Dr. Frese further stipulated that their portraits should be given a place of honor.

"Nümbrecht Gondola Pond" from 1913

Today's modern park-like pond complex in front of the Parkhotel terrace traces back to a large fire pond that was created after a devastating fire. In 1830, the entire upper village with its thatched half-timbered houses had fallen victim to flames due to insufficient firefighting capabilities. The original pond complex is still clearly visible on the postcard.

North Rhine-Westphalia State Garden Show 1974

Just a few steps from the Parkhotel, the view falls upon the column fountain in the spa park—a landmark of Nümbrecht since the State Garden Show in 1974. In the modern artwork by sculptor Michael Schwarze, limbs and torsos of the figures seem to want to free themselves from the stone columns. The fountain figures symbolize the striving for freedom, which ultimately alone can enable progress. The State Garden Show also set standards at the time with its explicit invitation: "Walking on the grass encouraged!"—an invitation that is still gladly accepted today.

Desk of Dr. Horst Frese

This desk from the Wuppertal law office of Dr. Horst Frese is part of the estate that the municipality of Nümbrecht received in 1982 after his death. Dr. Frese had stipulated in his will that his life's work should serve a purpose for the common good. His considerable fortune then flowed into the "Frese-Peters Foundation," among other things for the beautification of Nümbrecht and the promotion of tourism.

Parkhotel Nümbrecht Today

Discover Parkhotel Nümbrecht today, a four-star hotel that combines traditional charm with modern comfort and professionalism in the heart of Nümbrecht. With 165 comfortably furnished beds in stylishly designed rooms, our hotel offers the ideal base for both business travelers and vacationers. Plan your next conference, seminar, or workshop in one of our 13 state-of-the-art seminar and conference rooms—designed to execute your events seamlessly and effectively. End the day in our "MITTENDRIN" CAFE & LOUNGE, where you can relax and enjoy the culinary delights of our establishment. At Parkhotel Nümbrecht, we combine our rich history with the present to offer you an incomparable experience. We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel!

Source References:

Various “Heimatklänge,” published by Heimatverein Nümbrecht e.V.
Oberberg Online March 10, 2015
R OVZ November 20, 2007, January 4, 2011
Archive of the Municipality of Nümbrecht
Village Community Center (House by the Pond) in Nümbrecht around 1955 – Interior view of the large hall in: Nümbrecht Then – Now, Publisher: Heimatverein Nümbrecht e.V., 1997, p. 140

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