Picture this: The Nordhafen Spandau. It is not just water. It is a former inland harbor in Berlin. Today, the Nordhafen Spandau serves as a reminder of Spandau’s industrial past.
The Nordhafen Spandau is a canal of the Havel. It is located in the Hakenfelde district. The canal is listed as a navigable waterway. Vessels cannot exceed 67 meters in length. Their width must not exceed 8.20 meters.
Once, the Nordhafen Spandau bustled with activity. It was constructed between 1908 and 1912. This happened simultaneously with the Südhafen Spandau. It emerged from the former fortress moat. This moat was north of Havelschanze street.
Factories sprung up. They lined the Nordhafen Spandau. Connection tracks served these factories. Predominantly, they handled building materials. They also handled rolled iron, gas coal, and colonial goods. Other goods included rice, sugar beets, and chemicals.
However, the Nordhafen Spandau quickly declined. The Berliner Westhafen opened in 1923. It simply could not compete. The banks became storage. They stored building materials and mineral oils.
Until 2008, the sign “Bootswerft Nordhafen” stood. Numerous moorings existed. They reflected the harbor’s original purpose. By 2011, the port and track systems disappeared. Housing estates and parks replaced them. Only the name Nordhafen Spandau remains. Also, design elements in the parks recall its history.
The south bank is almost entirely developed. Public access is limited. A historic boathouse stands since 1911. The Wasserfreunde Spandau 04 use it for watersports. They also use it as a berth for their club ship. The boathouse’s gabled roof and facade are protected. It originally housed boats. These belonged to the Royal National Gymnastics Institute. Boats were launched via a floating raft. Oskar Delius designed it.
Row houses from 2007 and 2008 stand nearby. Comfortable townhouses complete the development. Since 2002, the Haus Havelblick stands at the western end. It is a senior and therapy center. It offers over 600 living spaces. It also has a large garden.
The Hohenzollern Park surrounds the Nordhafen’s western end. It opened in 2004. The park includes a water square. There is also a fisherman’s bay.
The Maselakepark extends along the north bank. Opened in 2006/2007, it covers 4.3 hectares. A promenade runs along the Nordhafen Spandau. It evokes the former fortress moat. The design incorporates historical elements.
A chestnut row integrates into the design. Meadows border the promenade. The Maselakepark received recognition in 2009. The jury praised its contemporary design. They also praised its historical interpretation.
In 2003, a report suggested expanding the Nordhafen Spandau. The idea was to create an ecological winter port. It would address winter berths and environmental concerns.
Paths around the Nordhafen Spandau connect to cycling routes. These include the Havel Cycle Path. They also connect to hiking trails. A bridge over the Nordhafen Spandau has been discussed for years. It was approved in 2007. But it has not been built.
The Nordhafen Spandau is a place of transformation. From industrial harbor to residential area. From storage space to recreational park. The Nordhafen Spandau is a testament to Berlin’s evolving landscape.