Seepark

Did you ever imagine a park named after a vanished lake? Here at Seepark in Karlshorst, the name whispers a memory of what once was. Seepark is nestled in the southwest of Karlshorst in Berlin’s Lichtenberg district. Bounded by Liepnitzstraße, Trautenauer Straße, Traberweg, and Rödelstraße, Seepark holds a secret. The lake that gave it its name is long gone. Created in 1913, Seepark incorporated a small existing lake on Trautenauer Straße. This lake was a mere remnant of its former glory. It once boasted a central island and filled nearly the entire park area. The lake’s origins lay in the extensive wetlands and the course of the Rohrlake. This waterway originally stretched from Wuhlheide to Klingenberg, where it flowed into the Spree. Otto Müller, head of the Köpenick Bank and chairman of the Karlshorst Home and Landowners Association, championed the creation of this expansive two-hectare park. Seepark was once a wonderland of diverse plants and landscaping. Imagine vast meadows, towering poplars, walkways shaded by climbing plants, and rose beds. There were also rhododendron bushes, fountains, and an intricately designed shoreline. Terraces and embankments added to the park’s charm. The lake transformed into a popular ice-skating rink in winter. The slope towards Trautenauer Straße became a favorite spot for sledding. By the summer of 1928, the lake, known as the “Karlshorster See,” had almost dried up due to a drop in the groundwater level. Its bed was then sealed with concrete. Sadly, World War II and the post-war period brought destruction. The features of the park vanished. The depression between Stechlinstraße and Müritzstraße was filled. By the early 1950s, the concrete-lined basin of the lake was finally filled in. The park was transformed into a green space by 1955, dotted with individual trees, as part of the National Construction Project. Today, only traces of the original design remain. Seepark is now used for leisurely strolls, games, and sports activities. It plays a vital role in the urban climate. In 2008, a renovated playground and soccer field were inaugurated. These are being further redesigned and expanded. Since 2000, Seepark has also hosted the annual Traberwegfest in September. This vibrant festival adds another layer to the park’s rich history.