Hundegasse

Hundegasse, known today as Ulica Ogarna in Polish, is one of the most historic streets in the city of Gdańsk. Initially called Brauergasse (Brewer’s Street) in 1336, the street began to be referred to as Hundegasse (Dog’s Lane) in 1378, with both names used interchangeably until 1415, when Hundegasse became the official name. While it’s possible that the street’s name derived from guard dogs kept at the western end to protect the Speicherinsel (a local island of warehouses), it is more likely that it comes from the Hund family, a prominent family in the area. In 1806, the western portion of Hundegasse was named Zaggengasse.

Located in the Rechtstadt (Main Town) district of Gdańsk, the street is part of the city’s historic core, where most significant landmarks and attractions are situated. Hundegasse is lined with stately Renaissance-era townhouses, many of which were built by the city’s wealthy patrician families. It connects to the Kuhbrücke (Cow Bridge) through the Kuhtor (Cow Gate), offering a glimpse into the rich architectural and cultural heritage of old Danzig.

Hundegasse has also been home to several notable figures, whose connections to the street are commemorated to this day.

Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736)

One of Hundegasse’s most famous former residents, Daniel Fahrenheit, spent part of his childhood at Hundegasse 95. Fahrenheit is known worldwide as the inventor of the mercury thermometer and the temperature scale that bears his name. Today, a commemorative plaque marks the house where Fahrenheit lived, celebrating his contributions to science. His work laid foundational principles in temperature measurement, transforming meteorology and physics.

Johannes Trojan (1837–1915)

Born at Hundegasse 101, Johannes Trojan was a celebrated German humorist and poet known for his light-hearted, often satirical works. His humor resonated with many in Germany and beyond, capturing everyday life with wit and insight. Trojan’s legacy as a writer who brought humor to literature has left a lasting cultural impact, making him one of the street’s beloved historical figures.

Eduard Rodenacker and the Old Danzig Brewery

At Hundegasse 11/12, the Old Danzig Brewery, run by Eduard Rodenacker, was once a bustling site of production. This brewery was a key player in Danzig’s brewing tradition, contributing to the city’s economy and culture. Rodenacker’s brewery is a testament to the street’s early origins as Brauergasse and highlights Hundegasse’s continued association with brewing.

The street also holds literary significance as it once hosted a library frequented by Johannes Daniel Falk in his youth. Falk, who later made a name for himself in Weimar, would spend his saved pocket money at this library, marking Hundegasse as an important place in his early intellectual development. In the 19th century, many merchants lived at Hundegasse, including Otto Wilhelm Rosenmeyer and Theodor Haussmann.