Gazing at the tranquil waters of Machnower See, can you hear the whispers of history? This seemingly peaceful lake, nestled in Kleinmachnow, just outside Berlin, holds a story more complex than its calm surface suggests. Machnower See, also known as Kleinmachnower See, is not just a picturesque spot. It’s a vital part of the Teltow Canal, a waterway flowing from east to west. The lake itself is about 700 meters long and 200 meters wide, a relatively small body of water with a maximum depth of only four meters.
The history of Machnower See is intertwined with the construction of the Teltow Canal in the early 1900s. The canal builders ingeniously used the existing Bäke valley, diverting the canal through what was once a separate, isolated lake. This transformed the landscape and gave Machnower See its current form. A small portion of the original Bäke stream remains south of the lake, a testament to the area’s natural past. The surrounding area, including Machnower See, is now a designated nature reserve, offering a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
Machnower See also carries a poignant memory from World War II. On December 2, 1943, Norwegian war correspondent Nordahl Grieg lost his life when his plane was shot down during a bombing raid on Berlin. The crash site lies on the shores of Machnower See. A memorial stone stands near the northern shore, a somber reminder of the conflict’s reach.
Today, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paths surrounding Machnower See. You might spot various carp fish, such as bream, roach, and rudd, if you look closely. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that frequents the area, including ducks and herons, often perched on fallen trees along the shoreline. You might even glimpse non-native turtles basking in the sun, a surprising addition to the local fauna. The northern shore offers a particularly scenic view, with the Hakeburg, a castle-like mansion built in 1908, rising on the Seeberg hill.
Machnower See has faced threats in the past. A planned expansion of the Kleinmachnow Lock as part of a post-reunification infrastructure project threatened to destroy centuries-old trees along the lake’s northwest bank. Local protests successfully halted the project, preserving the natural beauty of Machnower See for future generations. As you leave Machnower See, remember its story. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of nature amidst the echoes of history.