What if I told you this lake was born from a highway? That’s right. Welcome to the Boberger See. This artificial lake in Hamburg’s Boberger Niederung nature reserve has a rather unusual origin story.
Back in 1937, construction began on the Hamburg-Lübeck section of the Reichsautobahn. Builders needed sand. They started digging here. Thus, the Boberger See was created. Further construction on the highway later expanded the Boberger See.
Today, the Boberger See is about 330 meters long and 170 meters wide. If you include the small bays, it reaches 486 meters in length and 392 meters in width. The lake covers 7.86 hectares. Its deepest point is around 11 meters. The average depth is 4.2 meters. The Boberger See holds 301.000 m³ of water.
North of the Boberger See lies the Boberg gliding airfield. This airfield stretches 1.5 kilometers southeast. You can often see gliders soaring overhead while relaxing by the water.
The Boberger See is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. There is a small public beach on the northeast side. The southwest bank attracts those who prefer a more natural swimming experience, with FKK enthusiasts often gathering there. “FKK” is the German abbreviation for “Freikörperkultur” or Free Body Culture.
Anglers also enjoy the Boberger See. The Bergedorfer Anglerverein von 1954 e. V. leases the lake. They stock it with fish and maintain the fishing grounds. Fishing is permitted with a license.
The Boberger See area has a history of sand extraction. The Boberger dunes are Hamburg’s last shifting dunes. Sand from the area was used for buildings in a rapidly urbanizing Hamburg. A dispute over the price of sand actually saved the dunes.
If you want to reach the Boberger See by public transport, take the S21 to Mittlerer Landweg station. From there, it’s a walk or bike ride. Follow the Billwerder Kirchenstieg over the Billebrücke. You can also come from the Parkplatz Boberger Torfsee or Billwerder Billdeich. Cars are not allowed to drive to the lake.
The water quality is generally good and clear. The bottom of the lake is mostly sandy mud. Please note that camping is prohibited in the nature reserve.
So, next time you’re enjoying a swim or a walk around the Boberger See, remember its unique history. What started as a construction project transformed into a beloved recreational area. It is a place where nature and history intertwine. It offers a refreshing escape from the city. The Boberger See is more than just a lake. It’s a testament to Hamburg’s ever-evolving landscape.