Whispers of salty air tickle your nose. Right before us stands the Gradierwerk. This structure is a unique part of Lüneburg’s history.
The Gradierwerk Lüneburg was built in 1907. It was erected in the newly created Kurpark. The structure became very popular. It was expanded in 1927. From the beginning, the Lüneburg Gradierwerk helped people with breathing problems. Visitors simply sit on a bench nearby and breathe.
Salty water trickles over blackthorn twigs. The water comes from a brine spring under the city. The twigs ensure the brine droplets spray finely. They are released into the surrounding area. Natural evaporation increases the salt concentration in the air.
For a long time, people did not know the benefits of the brine. They did not know what it could do for the body and health. Hygiene was generally poor in the Middle Ages. Heating large quantities of water was also a problem. The first bathhouses appeared in the 14th century. They used regular water, not brine. Brine was only discovered for this purpose in the early 19th century. In 1813, two tubs stood in a building on the Saline grounds. More tubs were added in the following years. The first bathhouse opened in 1820. However, demand was so low it remained the only one.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a spa was essential for an attractive city. So, in 1907, the city bought 23 hectares of land. It was located pretty much in the middle of Lüneburg. Landscape architects designed a Kurpark based on the English model. A spacious bathhouse and Kurhaus were built.
During the occupation, all the buildings served other purposes. The park was used as farmland.
In 1972, the old buildings were replaced. A modern Kurzentrum was constructed. It included a hotel, a ballroom, an indoor swimming pool, and medical facilities. The park was redesigned. Today, we find spacious lawns. They are suitable for sports or sunbathing. There are also tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and a playground. A rose garden, a herb garden, a duck pond, and water fountains invite you to linger. Various events such as concerts and open-air cinema take place in the Kurpark in summer. People also gather for picnics.
The Gradierwerk is not only a historical landmark. It is also part of a modern, climate-neutral energy concept. The Kurmittel GmbH plans to integrate the building into the Kurzentrum’s energy production. The Gradierwerk will get a roof. This will protect the wood and Reisig. It also offers the possibility to install photovoltaic.
The salty air here offers health benefits. It is a refreshing reminder of Lüneburg’s commitment to health. It is also a commitment to innovation.