Schäfersee

Did a horse and carriage truly sink beneath the surface of Schäfersee? Here we stand, at the edge of Schäfersee in Berlin-Reinickendorf, a nearly circular lake spanning about 4.5 hectares. The name, Schäfersee, translates to “Shepherd’s Lake,” a nod to its 18th-century past. In 1738, the Berlin magistrate established a sheep farm on the eastern bank. Its proximity to the water was crucial. Sheep needed washing before shearing. Imagine the shepherds leading their flocks to the water’s edge, the bleating of the animals echoing across the surface. This very lake, formed by a massive block of glacial ice during the last ice age, played a crucial role in the local economy. However, the idyll wasn’t without conflict. The sheep washing frequently caused disputes with local fishermen, who complained about the increasing silting of the lake. The sheep farm eventually disappeared, last appearing on a city map in 1866. Yet, Schäfersee continued to be a hub of activity. Around 1910, the Seebad Reinickendorf, a bathing establishment, graced its southern shore. The park surrounding the lake, completed in 1928, is now a protected green space and a listed garden monument. It’s a tranquil oasis, offering a café, a mini-golf course, and a large playground for children. A chilling local tale whispers of a horse-drawn carriage plunging into the icy depths in the 1950s. The driver, attempting to dump snow into the lake, perished along with his horse. Some say the carriage still rests on the lakebed. Today, Schäfersee faces new challenges. Despite its serene appearance, pollution from nearby roads has taken its toll. Below a certain depth, the lake is considered biologically dead. Efforts are underway to restore its health, but the story of Schäfersee serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.