Deep in the heart of Berlin’s Nikolassee district lies Krummes Fenn, a small but captivating landscape conservation area. It’s a remnant of the marshy, swampy terrain that once characterized this area. The name itself, “Krummes Fenn,” literally means “crooked swamp” or “crooked bog.” Krummes Fenn is nestled between Lindenthaler Allee to the north and Berlepschstraße to the south, bordered by the Düppel Museum Village and a settlement to the west and east. This tranquil oasis, a mere 10,000 square meters, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Krummes Fenn’s most prominent feature is its elongated pond, mostly encircled by dense woods. Established as a protected area in 1960, Krummes Fenn extends the enclosed Düppel Field, preserving a piece of Berlin’s natural history. The pond itself is a relic of the last ice age, approximately 12,000 years old. Unfortunately, since 1965, the water level has been steadily decreasing, primarily fed by rainwater, its future existence is uncertain. This rainwater, however, carries pollutants from nearby roadways, like oil, tire residue, and even dog waste, making close contact with the water inadvisable. Still, from a distance, it offers a picturesque view.
The Düppel Museum Village nearby provides a glimpse into the area’s human history. Evidence suggests settlements existed here since the High Middle Ages. The area later became the Düppel manor. The name “Düppel,” however, wasn’t adopted until 1864, commemorating a battle where Prussian forces decisively defeated the Danish army at the Dybbøl trenches in Denmark. This victory led to Denmark’s withdrawal from the island of Alsen, and Prussia and Austria gained control of Schleswig and Holstein. Close to Krummes Fenn, near Benschallee, remnants of the old Düppel S-Bahn station can be found, marked by remaining tracks, a platform edge, and a crumbling fence. Although small, Krummes Fenn holds traces of a rich and layered past, intertwining natural and human history within its serene landscape.