Ever wondered where the Muenstersche Aa begins its journey? Right here we are at the Aa-Aue a nature reserve. It is part of Muenster in Westphalia Germany.
Let me tell you about this special river. The Muenstersche Aa is a left tributary of the Ems. It starts near Havixbeck and flows southeast until it reaches Muenster. Then it turns north towards Greven where it joins the Ems. In total the Muenstersche Aa stretches for about 43 kilometers. That is just over 27 miles.
Muenster itself is a significant city. Its history stretches back to 793 when Charlemagne sent Ludger to evangelize the Muensterland. Ludger founded a school in 797 that became the Cathedral School. He was ordained as the first bishop of Muenster. By 850 the first cathedral was complete. Muenster became an important center due to its market place and school.
The river has played different roles over time. Once the wetlands and swampy meadows were regularly flooded. Sometimes the water level rose enough to flood the historic downtown of Muenster.
In 1888 Professor Hermann Landois wanted to control the level of the Aa River. He also wanted to ensure the city’s drinking water supply. His idea was to create an “Aa basin”. This basin would also support sports like rowing and sailing. It should also contribute to the city’s beautification. The implementation of his visions to reduce the risk of flooding for the city of Muenster started in spring 1914.
Today the Muenstersche Aa flows through the Aasee an artificial lake southwest of the city center. The Aasee covers about 0.402 square kilometers. It’s approximately 2.3 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 2 meters. The Aasee not only protects the city from flooding it also provides cool air. This makes it ecologically important for Muenster. The Aasee area also enhances urban planning.
The area around the Aa-Aue and the Aasee has become a popular recreation area for Muenster citizens. So the Muenstersche Aa and the Aa-Aue are more than just a river and a nature reserve. They are integral parts of Muenster’s history ecology and recreational life.