Does the name Millionengraben sound imposing? It translates to “Million Trench”. This waterway in Berlin has a fascinating story.
The Millionengraben is a crucial drainage ditch. It is located in Falkenberg, a district of Berlin. Falkenberg was once known for its vast sewage farms.
Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century. James Hobrecht was developing Berlin’s infrastructure. He created large sewage farms around the city. These farms purified Berlin’s wastewater through a natural process. The water trickled through the soil. This process filtered out the waste. The dried sludge was then used as fertilizer. Farmers grew mostly grain on these fields. An artificial ditch system channeled water in and out.
The Millionengraben became the main drainage ditch for these fields. Its size earned it the nickname “Millionengraben”. Locals recognized its importance. They saw how vital it was for the area’s sewage system.
By the 1980s, these sewage farms were shut down. In 1995, the area transformed. It became the Falkenberger Rieselfelder nature reserve. The Millionengraben now marks the eastern boundary. You can access it from the Barnimer Dörferweg.
Where does this Millionengraben begin and end? The ditch gets most of its water from the Gehrensee. This lake sits in Lindenberg, Brandenburg. From there, it flows straight to Berlin-Falkenberg. The Koppelgraben and Schwarzwurzelgraben also feed into it.
In Falkenberg, the Millionengraben flows east. It passes the animal shelter. Finally, it disappears underground. A pipe system takes the water under the Falkenberger Chaussee. It eventually empties into the Neue Wuhle. This water then makes its way to the Elbe River. Finally, it reaches the North Sea.
So, the next time you pass the Millionengraben, remember its history. It’s a story of engineering. It’s a story of nature. It is a story of Berlin’s past. The Millionengraben played a vital role. It shaped the landscape we see today.