Beneath the Grunewald’s canopy lies Pechsee, a relic of the last ice age. Imagine Berlin, not as a bustling metropolis, but as a vast expanse of ice. As the ice retreated, it left behind pockets of water, forming Pechsee and its siblings along a meltwater channel. Pechsee is nestled within the “Teufelsfenn” nature reserve. Its name, Pechsee, translates to “Pitch Lake,” hinting at a time around 1500 when pitch was extracted from its shores. By the 1950s, Pechsee had transformed into a popular swimming spot. However, the introduction of drinking water wells significantly lowered the groundwater level. This caused Pechsee to shrink, its sandy shores expanding as the water receded. Today, Pechsee is a shadow of its former self, its waters diminished. Yet, it remains a vital part of the Grunewald ecosystem. It’s a haven for a diverse range of dragonflies and boasts a vibrant carpet of sphagnum mosses. To protect this delicate ecosystem, a fence was erected around the lake and its banks in the early 1960s. Visitors can still admire Pechsee from a viewing platform connected by a boardwalk. While Pechsee may not be the swimming destination it once was, its unique history and ecological importance make it a hidden gem within the Grunewald. It serves as a reminder of Berlin’s ever-changing landscape, shaped by both natural forces and human intervention.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to