Isn’t it fascinating how islands can hold so much history? Seddinwall is one such place. It is located on the Seddinsee lake. This island might be small but its story is quite captivating.
The Seddinsee itself stretches almost three kilometers. It has a width of up to one kilometer. Its maximum depth reaches seven meters. The Gosener Canal flows into the lake at its northern end. The Dahme River touches it on the southwestern side. This makes the lake seem like a side bay of the river.
Seddinwall is just one of several islands in the Seddinsee. Weidenwall, Werderchen, Kleiner Seddinwall, Nixenwall, Dommelwall, and Berg are also nearby.
Now let’s focus on Seddinwall itself. In the past, specifically around 2000 BC, the island was inhabited. Evidence from the New Stone Age proves this. Later, between 1000 and 500 BC, during the Bronze and early Iron Ages, Slavs settled here.
A man named Fischer Kanis sought refuge on Seddinwall with his family in 1806. This was during the “French era.” He remained there until his death in 1850.
Theodor Fontane mentioned Seddinwall in his “Wanderungen durch die Mark Brandenburg.” He told the story of Fischer Kanis. Fontane referred to the island as “Robin’s Eiland.”
Colonist Johann Christan Rubbin took over the island in 1819. He paid an annual fee for the land. After Kanis’ death, Rubbin built his own small house near the old fishing hut.
In 1861, Rubbin’s son, Schiffer Grasse, moved to the island. He brought his wife and 17 children. Grasse’s son later sold the island to a merchant named Fricke.
Banker Neumann acquired Seddinwall in 1897. He converted the leasehold into freehold property. In the years 1899 to 1909, farmer Hermann Kersten transformed Seddinwall. He turned it into a park landscape. It featured a restaurant, a steamer landing stage and pavilions. There was even a fountain.
Around 1920, the Fahrenholtz family bought the island. They ran a restaurant until the beginning of World War II. During the war, the island’s fate becomes unclear. There were rumors of a possible flak position or a Nazi meeting place on Seddinwall. These have never been confirmed.
In 1950, the DKSV leased the island. It became a permanent campsite in the 1970s. Even in GDR times, Seddinwall was considered a natural monument. After 1989, the Landes-Kanu-Verband Berlin became the leaseholder.
Today, Seddinwall remains a unique natural campsite. It has been preserved thanks to the efforts of various clubs. Isn’t it amazing how this small island has witnessed so much history? From ancient settlements to wartime rumors and its current status as a nature reserve. Seddinwall is a testament to the enduring stories that even the smallest places can tell.