Picture this: a lake born from necessity, now a haven for leisure. This is the Hohendeicher See. It is also known as Oortkatensee. This artificial lake lies in Hamburg’s southeastern part. It is in the Ochsenwerder district within the marshlands.
The Hohendeicher See’s story began during the tumultuous times of the 1962 storm surge. The Ochsenwerder Elbdeich and Warwischer Hinterdeich were at great risk. Though they avoided being flooded, the city knew it needed to act. They determined the ” maßgebliche Sturmflutwasserstand” a new standard. It was set at NN plus 6.70 meters. This was 1.10 meters higher than before.
Raising the old dikes proved impossible. Buildings already stood there. So, the new Overwerder Hauptdeich was built. It went up on the Elbe side of the old foreland. This also shortened the dike line. Where did the builders get the needed materials? They extracted the necessary gravel and clay. They took it from the area between the old and new dikes. This excavation gave birth to what we know today as Hohendeicher See.
Since 1977, the Hohendeicher See has been a protected landscape. It spans 62 hectares. That is about 153 acres. Its waters beckon visitors. They come for ice bathing, diving, sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling. The remaining land became home to camping sites. Local farmers manage and maintain the lands and bathing bays.
Many creatures call the Hohendeicher See home. You can find various fish, birds, and plants. Mute swans glide gracefully. Coots paddle among the reeds. Great crested grebes dive for fish. Mallards dabble at the water’s edge. The lake also hosts two types of stoneworts. There are also four kinds of pondweed. You can spot Nuttall’s waterweed and spiked water-milfoil here.
Anglers also find joy at the Hohendeicher See. It is part of the Hamburger Angelsportverbandes e. V. fishing association. Members can fish in the lake. They just need to avoid designated conservation areas. The lake boasts various fish. These include carp, tench, roach, and rudd. You might also find bream, pike, zander, and asp. Perch, ruffe, stickleback, burbot, and eel also swim here.
Hohendeicher See is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. The east bank mainly hosts campers. The west bank attracts windsurfers. Here, you will find a surf school and the Windsurfing Club Hamburg. The Segelclub Vierlande resides in the lake’s northern area. They host Optimist dinghy regattas each year. You will also see Laser and Europe class boats. These are mainly for sailing training. The Bergedorfer Schülers Segelverein and Haus Warwisch are in the south. They use Robinson and Gipsy dinghies. In winter, brave souls take to ice bathing.
On the south shore, a bathing beach gives swimmers and divers access to the lake. The German Underwater Club Hamburg has its clubhouse in the southeast. They also have a pier. Three buoys mark a diving bell, a practice platform, and a phone booth. These underwater objects are connected by guide ropes.
The Hohendeicher See has two official bathing spots. One is on the west shore. It has a small sandy beach and a grassy area. The other is on the south shore. It features a large sandy beach and a grassy area. There is no separate area for non-swimmers.
The Hohendeicher See. It is more than just a lake. It is a testament to Hamburg’s resilience. It is a vibrant space for recreation. It is a haven for nature. Remember its story as you enjoy its waters and shores.