If the shoe fits…

This factory was one of the first Modernist buildings in Europe and, amazingly, is still used by the same company that constructed it a century ago!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

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Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

It took two young architects, both trying to make their mark in the world, to think outside the box and create one of the founding buildings of the Modernist movement in Europe.

Walter Gropius and Adolf Meyer were both in their late 20s when they were given the contract to build the Fagus Factory in their home country of Germany.

Gropius, in particular, wanted this first industrial commission of his to be artistic and memorable. He convinced the company’s owners of this vision, telling them, “modern life needed new building organisms that match the lifestyles of our time.”

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

The year was 1910 and factories had, until this point, being rather bland affairs. Concrete cubes with small windows, grey exteriors and even darker interiors.

They were built representing the efficiency they were supposed to produce. But Gropius and Meyer wanted to turn all of this on its head.

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany
Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

When the Fagus Factory opened in the town of Alfeld, it was revolutionary. The large glass windows and unsupported corners were unprecedented and this new style of architecture placed an emphasis on good working conditions.

The windows could be opened in a way that created natural air-conditioning and tasks that relied on keen eyesight were placed closer to the natural light streaming through the windows.

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany
Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

Both Gropius and Meyer went on to be very influential in the Bauhaus movement that spread through Germany and Europe. The building they started with proved their talent and it has stood the test of time.

Incredibly, the same company that built the Fagus Factory is still operating here today, making moulds for shoe production.

Although technology has changed and the moulds are now made from plastic, not beech wood, the building has needed very few modifications over the years.

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

Visiting the Fagus Factory in Alfeld

To appreciate the significant architectural details, it’s important to see the building from the outside and the inside.

Even though the factory is operational, there are tours through all areas including past the production lines. There is also an excellent museum over several floors of the old warehouse that tells the story of the building and the business.

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

The tour that I take is led by one of the workers here – like most of them are.

This means that not only do you get a great explanation of the building and its features, there’s also the opportunity to get a fascinating insight into the life of the workers and how it has changed over the past century.

Fagus Factory, Alfeld, Germany

The Fagus Factory is just a short ten minute walk from Alfeld train station and, in fact, arriving by train from the north gives an appropriate preview to the site.

The factory is built along the railway line for the easy transportation of goods and the architects placed more emphasis on the trackside part of the building because they considered it would be seen by more people.

Where is the Fagus Factory?

The Fagus Factory is located at Hannoversche Straße 58, 31061 Alfeld (Leine), Germany.

You can see it on a map here.

How do you get to the Fagus Factory?

To get to the Fagus Factory, catch the train to Alfeld and then follow the signs to walk there in about 10 minutes.

When is the Fagus Factory open?

The factory is open to the public every day between 1000 and 1600.

How much does it cost to visit the Fagus Factory?

Admission prices to the factory are €5 for adults. An entry ticket costs €3 for a concession and €2 for a child.

Top tip

Getting a tour of the factory is a highlight so get in contact in advance to make sure that’s available when you visit.

More information

You can find out more information at the official website for the Fagus Factory.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION NEAR THE FAGUS FACTORY

There is not much accommodation near the factory so I think the best thing to do is stay in Hannover and travel in from there.

BACKPACKER

For a good backpacker option, I would suggest the Bed’nBudget City-Hostel, which is in a great location.

BUDGET

For a lovely hotel at reasonable rates, the IntercityHotel, often has great deals.

BOUTIQUE

If you’re interested in something a bit funky, Prizeotel has some cool designs.

LUXURY

And if you want some luxury, you can’t go past the location of the Kastens Hotel Luisenhof.

Time Travel Turtle was supported by DB Bahn, the German National Tourist Board and Youth Hostels in Germany but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

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This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

2 thoughts on “If the shoe fits…”

  1. Fagus Grecon was one of my clients here in the States ( Portland, Oregon) It’s a great little town and cheap to stay in. It’s also known for the birthplace of literature for snow whit and the seven dwarfs. Inspired by the springs that run by the river and the mountain ridge behind the town with seven peaks/ ridges which each dwarf lived. There’s a museum part of which I helped design on the Fagus-Grecon- Demter side of the business. Great town especially when the revolving farmers market comes into town each week. A hidden secret place for sure.

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