Have you ever felt the gentle whisper of history on the wind? Here at the Blick auf Wakenitz in Lubeck you can. This viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the Wakenitz River. It’s more than just a pretty picture though.
The Wakenitz is a river steeped in centuries of Lubeck’s past. It flows for almost 15 kilometers from the Ratzeburger See to Lubeck. Imagine the medieval ships gliding along its waters. They carried goods and people. They were a vital part of Lubeck’s Hanseatic trade.
Did you know that the Wakenitz was once the border between Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? For many years after World War II this stretch of water was a part of the Iron Curtain. The river’s untouched beauty is partly because of its isolated location. Some call it the “Amazonas of the North” because of its wild and untamed nature.
The river’s water level is 350 meters higher than the Trave. This difference is due to a dam called the Falkendamm. It was built during the expansion of the Elbe-Lubeck Canal. The dam helps control the water level of the Wakenitz preventing flooding.
Lubeck cleverly used the Wakenitz’s water. Watermills breweries and even the city’s water supply relied on it. The Wakenitz water was remarkably clean. In fact it was used for drinking water in Lubeck until 1972. To maintain its quality motor boats are largely restricted on the Wakenitz. Only passenger ferries and emergency vehicles are allowed.
The Wakenitz is more than just a river. It’s a key part of Lubeck’s recreational landscape. The Draegerweg a path named after a local benefactor runs along its banks. It’s a wonderful place to walk or bike. The Falkenwiese open-air swimming pool is nearby. It’s a charming spot. It features wooden changing rooms and bathing platforms.
This viewpoint gives you the perfect perspective on the Wakenitz’s rich history. It’s a story of trade and borders of nature and industry. It’s a story of how Lubeck used its natural resources and it is a story woven into the very fabric of this city. Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Feel the presence of the past. Let the Blick auf Wakenitz transport you through time.