Welcome to Wolfsburg, the city that owes its existence to one of the most iconic cars in history, the Volkswagen Beetle, affectionately known as the ‘Bug’. Our journey begins in the early 1930s, when Germany was on the brink of a monumental transformation. Amidst the tumultuous political landscape, Adolf Hitler envisioned a ‘people’s car’—a vehicle affordable for every German family. This vision led to the founding of Volkswagen in 1937, and with it, the birth of Wolfsburg.
The site where you stand now, coordinates 52.430612, 10.770762, was once a vast stretch of farmland. But in 1938, it became the chosen location for the Volkswagen factory. The city of Wolfsburg was officially established on July 1, 1938, originally named ‘Stadt des KdF-Wagens bei Fallersleben’, after the ‘Kraft durch Freude’ (Strength Through Joy) program, which emphasized leisure and tourism. The factory was to produce the KdF-Wagen—the prototype of the Beetle.
World War II shifted the factory’s focus from civilian production to military vehicles and equipment. After the war, British Major Ivan Hirst played a crucial role in reviving the factory. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and pushed for its production, a decision that would not only save the factory but also lay the foundation for Volkswagen’s global success.
In the 1950s, as Germany experienced an economic miracle, the Beetle became a symbol of affordable mobility and freedom. The factory expanded, and so did Wolfsburg, attracting workers from all over Germany and later from abroad, contributing to its multicultural tapestry.
Throughout the decades, the Beetle underwent several transformations, becoming a cultural icon worldwide. The factory here in Wolfsburg became the largest automobile plant in Europe, a hub of innovation and progress.
Today, Wolfsburg stands as a testament to industrial prowess and resilience. The Volkswagen headquarters still dominate the city, and the Autostadt, a sprawling complex celebrating the history and future of mobility, draws visitors from all over the globe.
As you explore this pivotal location, remember the stories of ambition and perseverance that shaped it. From farmland to factory town, Wolfsburg has evolved into a city synonymous with automotive excellence and the enduring legacy of the ‘Bug’.
