Trickling through the Dresden Heide the Gutebornbach whispers secrets. This unassuming stream a mere 27 kilometer long is a vital artery. It flows southwestward a ribbon of life through the landscape. The Gutebornbach begins its journey near the Mordgrund bridge. Its source the Gutebornbach-Quellmoor a unique organic seep spring. This spring constantly provides water even in dry months. A short distance away another source joins the Gutebornbach. The Gutebornbach-Seitenquelle this source is rich in fine materials.
The Gutebornbach meanders past the Pillnitz-Moritzburger Weg. A stone bridge arches gracefully over the stream. Built in 1876 this bridge is a cultural monument. It was restored in 2013. This ensured its strength for transporting long timber from the southern Dresden Heide. Near the Hammerchen path the Gutebornbach turns westward. Finally it meets the Eisenbornbach its most important tributary. Originally the Gutebornbach crossed the Bautzner Strasse. This was before its course changed.
The Gutebornbach’s upper and lower reaches flow in valleys. However the middle course changes. The increasing slope towards the Elbe Valley creates a gorge-like valley. This is due to its sandy bed and stronger inclination. Both the Gutebornbach-Quellmoor and the Gutebornbach-Seitenquelle are protected biotopes. The former is slightly disturbed. This disturbance is due to drainage ditches near Schneise 15. Despite this it remains largely natural. The extensive seep area boasts birches dwarf shrubs and lush peat moss. Rare plants like cotton grass sedges and seven-star flowers thrive here. The Arctic emerald dragonfly has also been sighted.
The Gutebornbach-Seitenquelle is pristine. It sits near a granite edge next to a sand dune. Red beech trees surround this source. Its sandy bed is full of running water. Lower down seepage areas exist. These areas consist of sand deadwood mosses and leaf litter. Stoneflies inhabit this unique habitat. The entire Gutebornbach watershed is within the Dresden Heide landscape protection area. The bridge on the Pillnitz-Moritzburger Weg is a landmark. So is a nearby water intake. This intake testifies to the Gutebornbach’s role in supplying water. The water was used for the Lingnerschloss Schloss Eckberg and Meuselsches Grundstuck in the 19th century. The Konig-Albert-Denkmal stands north of the bridge a silent witness to the Gutebornbach’s long history. The Gutebornbach more than just a stream is a living testament to the harmony of nature and history in Dresden.