A network initiative has been founded to preserve Germany's oldest cycling kiosk, the so-called "Schmitzebud" in Cologne. Under the motto "Save the Schmitzebud", a group of four people, consisting of racing cyclists and local citizens, is committed to ensuring that the site and the sales pavilion, which is well-known among cyclists throughout Germany, can continue to be used in the future in accordance with its more than 100-year tradition.
Located in the Königsforst recreational area in the east of Cologne, the little hut was founded in 1898 for the inauguration of the city railway line that ended there. Since then, the "Schmitzebud", named after its temporary owners, has been a focal point for hikers and those seeking local recreation. The kiosk achieved nationwide cult status because it has been a focal point for cyclists since the 1930s. Living cycling legends such as local resident Rolf Wolfshohl (three-time world champion, 14-time German cyclo-cross champion, Tour de France stage winner etc.), Cologne-based former professional cyclist Karl-Heinz Kunde (three-time German champion, winner of the Tour de France yellow jersey) and former professional cyclist Marcel Wüst, known as an ARD cycling commentator, used the "Schmitzebud" as a refreshment stop and starting point for their training rides in the Bergisches Land region.
Officially known as Trinkhalle Königsforst, the "stall" also served for many years as the starting point for the so-called Bergische Karussell, a permanent Sunday cycle tour (RTF). At weekends as well as on weekdays, the traditional kiosk acts as a meeting point for hundreds of cyclists from all over Germany, including professionals, amateurs and hobby cyclists. The annual "Rund um Köln" cycle race also leads the participating professionals and amateur cyclists directly past the "Schmitzebud".
Since the winter of 2007, however, the owner Marita Wimmer has closed the historic sales pavilion and put it up for sale. Since then, the fate of the cult centre has been in the stars and has sparked a local political debate. Most recently, newspaper reports that the kiosk of the century, which has reportedly also been sung about by the band "Bläck Fööss" ("Kaffe-Bud"), is to be demolished under pressure from local politicians in order to erect a plaque for a historic burial mound in its place (Background article in the Kölner Stadtanzeiger of 15 September 2008).
The local CDU had long maintained its stance that all efforts to find a new operator should be considered a failure, according to the initiative. In the meantime, however, the CDU has also come out in favour of continuing to use the Trinkhalle. The SPD had already called for the kiosk to be reopened at a district council meeting in August 2008, but was unable to get its way with this and with proposals for the design of the site at the time. Both parties had already agreed at the time that the city council should plan a new square around the kiosk. The "Schmitzebud" is the private property of the current owner Marita Wimmer, while the neighbouring green area is owned by the city. A district council meeting on 6 November 2008 should now bring clarity.
The network initiative "Save the Schmitzebud" was founded on 18 October 2008 in Cologne-Rath by four cyclists from Cologne and Bergisch Gladbach who want to campaign for the preservation of the historic facility for the benefit of all citizens, local recreationists and cyclists through campaigns and public relations work. "Rettet die Schitzebud" sees itself as a non-partisan and supra-regional forum. "The Schmitzebud is not only a cult site for us cyclists and must not be allowed to die," says Sebastian Ackermann, spokesman for the initiative, outlining his goals.
Address of the "Schmitzebud":
Königsforst drinking centre
Corner of Rösrather Strasse/Nerthusstraße
51107 Cologne (Rath/Königsforst)
Further information and contact to the initiative:
