Who could imagine a simple lake holding so much history? This, my friends, is the Blankensee. The Blankensee sits gracefully on the outskirts of Lübeck, sharing its beauty with both the city and the nearby community of Groß Sarau. This isn’t just any lake. It’s a designated nature reserve, a vital part of the “Grünauer Heide, Grünauer Moor und Blankensee” conservation area. But the Blankensee’s story is woven through time, stretching back to the year 1300. That’s when the powerful St. John’s Monastery in Lübeck acquired half of the village of Blankensee from a city councilman. Not long after, in 1360, the monastery acquired half of the lake itself, solidifying its influence over the area. Interestingly, the Blankensee marks a historic boundary. A dispute in 1749 over mill rights led to the city of Lübeck being granted control, which resulted in the lake forming a physical border between Lübeck and the Duchy of Lauenburg, a division still in place today. This serene lake was once a hive of activity. Imagine bustling watermills dotting the landscape, their wheels turning with the flow of the Blankensee’s outlet, the Blankenseebach. One even served as a paper mill, highlighting the resourcefulness of past generations. Sadly, the 20th century brought challenges for the Blankensee. Pollution from airport runoff and other sources took a toll, turning the once pristine water into a hypertrophic environment. But there’s hope! Efforts in recent years have focused on restoring the Blankensee to its former glory. So, as you stand before this picturesque lake, remember its journey. It stands as a testament to the ever-changing relationship between humanity and nature.
Altes Amtsgericht
“Justice has a long history here” a voice whispers from the shadows of the Altes Amtsgericht Lubeck. Before you stands