Responsibilities

• Program Coordination
• Quality Management for Academic Programs
• Course Management in Klips
• Teaching on Methods of Geography
• “Geonauten” Podcast in collaboration with Dr. Hannes Laermanns
• Instagram Channel of the Institute of Geography

Research Focuses

• Urban Geography
• Smart Cities
• Olympic Studies - Olympic Legacies

Profile

• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4597-5496
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=36jMdwgAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
• Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Holger-Kretschmer

Current Projects

Small and Smart? – Digitalization in German Mid-Sized Cities.

As part of the research project “Small and Smart? Digitalization in German Mid-Sized Cities,” the Department of Geography at the University of Cologne is investigating the digitalization strategies of German mid-sized cities. The study is based on the observation that distinct digitalization strategies, such as smart city agendas, are predominantly found in large cities. Academic and practical discussions of urban digitalization also focus primarily on the “smartification” of large cities. For example, the 2019 Smart City Atlas by Bitkom e.V. and the Fraunhofer Institute (IESE) covers almost exclusively municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, and the “Digital Model Municipalities” project in North Rhine-Westphalia also has this focus, with one exception. At the same time, however, small and medium-sized municipalities must also face the challenges of digitalization, and not only within the framework of the Online Access Act. To understand which strategies are being adopted in digitalization outside major cities and which hurdles must be overcome in the digital transformation of medium-sized cities, the project aims to examine everyday practices in the field of digitalization in smaller municipalities.
Duration: April 2020 to now

Website

Academic Career / Research Activities

• Since 05/2023 Senior Academic Advisor, Study Program Coordination, Department of Geography, University of Cologne
• 09/2019-04/2023 Academic Advisor, Study Program Coordination, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne
• 10/2013–08/2019 Lecturer for Special Assignments, Institute  of Geography, University of Cologne
• Responsibility: Reaccreditation of the degree programs at the Institute of Geography
• 10/2008–09/2013 Research Assistant, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne
• Responsibility: 32nd International Geographical Congress 2012 (IGC 2012)
• 4/2003–06/2007 Research Assistant, Institute for Outdoor Sports and Ecology, German Sport University Cologne
• 08/2007 Dissertation: “Nature-Oriented Physical Activities in Urban Areas—A Contribution to the Planning of Recreation Areas Near Residential Areas”
• 03/2003 Thesis on the topic: “Artificial Snow Production in Selected Winter Sports Areas in the Hochsauerland Region”
• Studied Geography at the University of Cologne, the University of Bonn, and the German Sport University Cologne

Scholarships

• 2013 IOC OSC Postgraduate Research Grant
• Albertus Magnus Teaching Award from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Publications

Kretschmer, H., 2023. Sport und urbanes Grün. Bewegungsraum-Management in der Kommunalen Freiraumplanung. In: Gans, P., Horn, M., Zemann, C., Sportgeographie. Springer Sprektrum, Berlin, 355-369.

Dannenberg, P., Kretschmer, H., Ludwig, M., Scheulen, L., Nielsen, M., 2021: The Party is over. Der Umgang mit der Nachtökonomie im Touristenort Newquay. Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsgeographie 65 (3), 1-14.

Follmann, A., Leitheiser, S., Kretschmer, H., 2021. Smart und/oder partizipativ? Eine kritische Betrachtung der SmartCity Cologne. suburgan. Zeitschrift für kritsiche Stadtforschung 9 (1/2), 115-139.

Kretschmer, H., Türk, S., 2020. (Natur-)Sport und urbanes Grün – Probleme und Lösungsansätze bei der Planung. In: Geographische Rundschau 72 (6). (im Druck)

Kretschmer, H.; Braun, B. 2016. Die Olympischen Sommerspiele 2012 - Festivalisierung und Stadtentwicklung im Londoner Osten. In: Selbach, V., Zehner, K. (Hrsg.), London - Geographien einer Global City. Transcript Verlag, Bielefeld, 135-152.

Viehoff, V. & Kretschmer, H. 2014. Olympic Games Munich 1972 and London 2012: Creating urban legacies - similar concepts in different times? Final Report. London/Cologne.

Kretschmer, H. 2012. Das Erbe der Olympischen Spiele – der Begriff der Legacy. In: Diercke 360°. Heft 1. 2012. Braunschweig.

Kretschmer, H. 2007: Naturorientierte Bewegungsaktivitäten im urbanen Raum. - Ein Beitrag zur Planung von siedlungsnahen Erholungsflächen. Köln. Zugriff unter:http://esport.dshs-koeln.de/65/1/Dissertation-Holger-Kretschmer.pdf

Kretschmer, H. 2007. Planning sport on urban green – Requirements of nature-based sport activities in an urban environment. In: ISSRM 2007 13th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. Book of Abstracts. Park City.

Kretschmer, H.; Klos, G.; Türk, S.; Roth, R. 2007. Siedlungsnahe Flächen für Erholung, Natursport und Naturerlebnis. Zur Planung von naturorientierten Bewegungsaktivitäten im urbanen Raum. In: Natur und Landschaft. Heft 1. 2007. Bonn.

Roth R.; Kretschmer, H.; Klos, G.; Türk, S. 2007. Siedlungsnahe Flächen für Erholung, Natursport und Naturerlebnis. Leitfaden für die Planung siedlungsnaher Erholungsflächen. Bonn.

Kretschmer, H. 2006. Nature-based activities on urban green. Requirements of nature-based activities in an urban environment. In: MMV-3 2006. The Third International Conference on Monitoring and Management of Visitor Flows in Recreational and Protected Areas (MMV) September, 13th – 17th 2006. Switzerland. Book of Abstracts. Rapperswil.

Kretschmer, H. 2005. Nature-based Activities in Urban Areas – New Challenges for City´s Recreation Areas. In: Fredman, P. (ed.) (2005). ISSRM 2005. The 11th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 16. – 19. 2005. Östersund. Sweden. Book of Abstracts. Östersund. p. 54.

Kretschmer, H.; Meinel, K. 2005. Sportentwicklungskonzeption für die Stadt Ratingen. Abschlussbericht im Auftrage des Amtes für Sport und Freizeit. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 116 S.

Meinel, K.; Kretschmer, H. 2005. Sportentwicklungskonzeption für die Stadt Castrop-Rauxel. Abschlussbericht im Auftrage des Bereiches Sport und Bäder. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 119 S.

Roth, R.; Kretschmer, H. 2005. Laufwegesystem in der Stadt Leverkusen. Ergebnisse eines Experten-Workshops in Leverkusen am 05.04.2005 und 11.05.2005 in Leverkusen und Köln. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 18 S.

Roth, R.; Türk, S. Kretschmer, H.; Klos, G. 2005. Siedlungsnahe Flächen für Erholung, Natursport und Naturerlebnis. Zwischenbericht 31.12.05. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 11 S.

Kretschmer, H. 2004. Nature-based activities in urban areas - A new challenge for city recreation areas. In: Walter Tokarski, Dirk Steinbach & Karen Petry (ed.). Proceedings and Book of abstracts Book of the LEDU 2004. International Conference on Leisure, Tourism & Sport - Education, Integration, Innovation. Cologne.

Roth, R.; Türk, S.; Kretschmer, H. 2004. Modernisierung des Loipennetzes im Wintersportkerngebiet. Konzepte, Ideen, Visionen. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 66 S.

Roth, R.; Türk, S.; Kretschmer, H.; Lienemann, T.; Schönung, N. 2004. Entwicklung eines DSV nordicaktiv Zentrums am Bremberg/Winterberg. Bestand, Ideen, Konzepte. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. 57 S.

Krämer, A.; Kretschmer, H.; Osterburg, A.; Knuth, S., Roth, R.; Mester, J. 2003. Einsatz von Geoinformationstechnologien zur Unterstützung der Leistungsdiagnostik im Skilanglauf. - Posterpräsentation, XV. Symposium für Angewandte Geographische Informationsverarbeitung, 2. - 4. Juli 2003, Salzburg. Posterpräsentation.

Roth, R.; Türk, S.; Kretschmer, H.; Schrahe, C. 2002. Wintersportarena Sauerland / Siegerland Wittgenstein Masterplan Stufe II. Zukunftsfähige Entwicklungskonzeption für den Schneesport in NRW. Forschungsbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. 118 S.

Roth, R.; Schmidt, A.; Kretschmer, H.; Rehbock, M.; Suchanek, R.; Wengert, K. 2002. Integriertes Entwicklungskonzept für eine Trendsportanlage unter Einbeziehung sporttouristischer Aktivitäten in der Region Sundern/Sorpesee. Projektbericht des Instituts für Natursport und Ökologie. Köln. 67 S.

Presentations and Public Appearances

• 01/2026 Interview: Morgenecho - The Olympics as a Booster: “That Could Be It” (WDR 5)
• 11/2025 Presentation: Digital Transformation in Medium-Sized Cities - 4th Digital Geographies Conference, Copenhagen
• 07/2025 Interview: #Faktenfuchs: Do the Olympics drive up housing costs? - Bayerischer Rundfunk
• 06/2024 Lecture: Digitalization in medium-sized cities - The 10th Nordic Geographers Meeting
• 06/2024 Moderator: “The City of Tomorrow: Toward Sustainable Urban Development” - Institut français, Cologne
• 09/2023 Presentation: Sports and Urban Green Spaces: Spaces for Physical Activity as Part of Integrated Urban Planning - German Geography Congress, Frankfurt am Main

Projects

• Geonauten. A podcast for teaching. (since 2023)
• Small but Smart? Digitalization in medium-sized cities. (since 2020)
• Reaccreditation of the degree programs at the Institute of Geography (2020–2023)
• Reaccreditation of the degree programs at the Institute of Geography (2013–2015)
• Olympic Games Munich 1972 and London 2012: Creating urban legacy – similar concepts in different times?, International Olympic Committee (2013)
• 32nd International Geographical Congress, International Geographical Union (2008–2013)
• R&D project “Areas near settlements for recreation, outdoor sports, and nature experiences,” Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (2005/2006)
• Sports Development Concept for the City of Ratingen, Department of Sports and Leisure of the City of Ratingen (2004/2005)
• Sports Development Concept for the City of Castrop-Rauxel, Sports and Swimming Facilities Department of the City of Castrop-Rauxel (2004/2005)
• Modernization of the Cross-Country Ski Trail Network in the Core Winter Sports Area, Wintersport-Arena Sauerland e. V. (2002/2003)
• Sauerland / Siegerland Wittgenstein Winter Sports Arena Master Plan Phase II, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Energy, and Transportation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (2001/2002)

Courses

Spring 2026
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Digitalization in the City

Winter 2025/2026
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Population and City Seminar

Spring 2025
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Digitalization in the City

Winter 2024/2025
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar Population and the City

Spring 2024
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Digitalization in the City

Winter 2023/2024
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar Population and City

Summer 2023
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Urban Green Spaces

Winter 2022/2023
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar Population and the City

Summer 2022
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar Economy and Regional Development
Field Practicum: The Regional Plan. A Useful Tool for Urban Development?

Winter 2021/2022
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar on Population and the City

Summer 2021
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar on Economy and Regional Development
Field Practicum: Urban Development under COVID-19. Is there accelerated structural change due to the pandemic?'
Field Practicum: Small but Smart? Digitalization in Small Towns.

Winter Semester 2020/2021
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar on Population and the City

Summer Semester 2020
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar on Economy and Regional Development
Field Practicum: The Regional Plan. A Useful Tool for Urban Development?

Winter Semester 2019/2020
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Trip: Field Trip for the Seminar on Population and the City

Summer Semester 2019
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Outdoor Sports in Urban Areas. Planning and Implementation
Field Practicum: Tourism and Regional Development in Rural Areas – The Case of Cornwall

Winter Semester 2018/2019
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar

Summer Semester 2018
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Urbanity in the Postmodern City

Winter 2017/2018
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar

Summer 2017
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Informal Sports in Planning

Winter 2016/2017
Seminar: Introduction to Geography
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field and Mapping Practicum: Retail in Cologne

Spring 2016
Seminar: Graduate Seminar
Field Practicum: Sports Spaces in Cologne
Field and Mapping Practicum: Retail in Cologne