Hamburg-Rissen

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Basic Information
State:	Hamburg
Borough:	Altona
Area:	16,65 km²
Population:	14492 (2003)
Population density:	870 residents/km²
Area code:	040
Latitude and Longitude:	53°33′N 9°50′E
License plate prefix:	`HH`

Rissen is a district in the westernmost of Hamburg (Germany).

[edit] Geographical aspects

It shares borders with the federal state Schleswig-Holstein in the northern and the western direction and with Hamburg's districts Sülldorf and Blankenese in the eastern direction. To the south, the river Elbe forms a natural border. South of the river, the areas belong to the German federal state of Lower Saxony. Rissen is situated on the right bank of the river.

From south to the north, Rissen is about three times as long as from the west to the east. In the north of Rissen, a large forested area, the so-called Klövensteen is positioned which is commonly a popular place for recreational activities like walking, jogging, riding, etc.

[edit] History

Rissen was first officially mentioned in 1255, being named "Risne". For centuries, Rissen was part of Holstein-Pinneberg and was thus a part of today's Schleswig-Holstein area. In 1789, the local government bought the part of Rissen which is called "Klövensteen" and let it become a large forest. Until now, this forest is still called "Staatsforst Klövensteen" - Staatsforst means forest area of the state. Yet in the 19th century, the locally well-known shipowner Godeffroy bought a remarkably big part of area and dedicated it to become his personal hunting grounds. In 1927, Rissen became a part of the city Altona which was souvereign until 1938. In that year, Altona was declared by law to become a part of the city of Hamburg. As a consequence, also Rissen has been a district of Hamburg from that year on.