What if I told you this serene lake was once a railway line? The Niederfeldsee in Essen is more than just a pretty body of water. It is a symbol of transformation.
Today we will explore the story of the Niederfeldsee. We will discover how this 2.2-hectare artificial lake came to be. Its history is intertwined with Essen’s industrial past and its present-day commitment to urban renewal.
In 2014, the Niederfeldsee project was completed. It cost 8.115 million euros. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia funded it through an urban development investment program. This project transformed the landscape and the community.
Before the Niederfeldsee existed, this area was part of the Rheinische Eisenbahn. This railway line connected Osterath and Dortmund South. A section of the line, which opened in 1874, ran across a dam here. Essen-Altendorf station was a few hundred meters west. The railway line was abandoned in 2002. In 2010, the Radschnellweg Ruhr, or RS1, opened on the former railway line. Today, this cycle path crosses the Niederfeldsee via a bridge.
The construction of the Niederfeldsee began in 2011. The northern part of the lake sits on what was once a small garden. It now features a green shoreline. The southern part resembles a harbor basin. It has a 320-meter-long and 4.2-meter-wide promenade.
Interestingly, swimming and boating are not allowed in the Niederfeldsee. The lake’s deepest point is about five meters. Groundwater from a separate well feeds the lake. Rainwater from nearby roofs also contributes to its water level. Excess water flows into the Sälzerbach.
The red bridge is a striking feature. It spans 46 meters across the Niederfeldsee. The bridge was opened in 2013 in the presence of the Mayor Reinhard Paß. It has become a new landmark for the district.
The Niederfeldsee has a unique design. It is divided into two parts by the bridge. The lake is shaped like a large L or a foot. The southern area has a harbor-like character. It features fortified banks and bollards. The northern part has flat, green, and curved banks.
Around the Niederfeldsee, you will find walking paths. A complete circuit around the lake is about one kilometer. You can also relax on the viewing balconies. They are located on the former embankment under the tracks.
The Niederfeldsee is more than just a pretty place. It is part of a larger effort to improve the quality of life. It provides recreational facilities. It extends Essen’s green infrastructure. The Niederfeldsee contributes to flood protection in the Ruhr area. It decouples rainwater from the sewage system.
The Niederfeldsee represents a successful urban regeneration project. It has created a valuable green space for the community. The transformation of this area from a railway line to a vibrant lake is truly remarkable. It embodies Essen’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and livable city.