Stempflesee

Is this lake always so calm? The Stempflesee lies before you, a seemingly tranquil oasis nestled within Augsburg’s Siebentischwald. Don’t let its peaceful facade fool you. This lake, artificially created from a former gravel pit in 1924, has a history as rich and dynamic as the city it calls home. Imagine, if you will, Augsburg in the early 20th century. The city, like much of Europe, struggled with unemployment following World War I. It was during this time that the Stempflesee was born, not from a desire for leisure, but from necessity. The project provided much-needed employment for the city’s jobless, who painstakingly transformed the barren pit into a picturesque lake. The Stempflesee, named after Augsburg’s Magistrate Gottfried Stempfle who championed its creation, quickly became a beloved local retreat. Yet, tranquility can be fleeting. During World War II, a bomb from the 1944 air raid on Augsburg struck the lake, leaving it empty for two years. The nearby “Zu den sieben Tischen” inn, a popular spot for day-trippers, was irreparably damaged and subsequently demolished. Today, the Stempflesee, restored to its former glory, stands as a testament to Augsburg’s resilience. As you stroll along its 500-meter Uferweg, remember the stories etched within its depths – tales of hardship, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit.