Think of a haven for ducks. That is the Dassower See. It is also a vital sanctuary for various bird species. We’re standing at a place rich in ecological significance. The Dassower See includes the islands Buchhorst and Graswerder.
Despite its name the Dassower See is not a lake. It is a side bay of the Trave Fjord. Locals call it a Wiek. It sits northeast of Lübeck.
Let’s delve into what makes this area special. The Dassower See spans about eight square kilometers. It is a brackish water bay. It connects to the Pötenitzer Wiek. The Priwall Peninsula separates it from the Bay of Lübeck.
The Stepenitz River flows into the Dassower See. At the river’s mouth near the Dassow Bridge there’s a landing stage. This is for the local fishing boats.
The bay and its islands are part of Lübeck. The shoreline forms Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s border. Dassow is the only significant settlement here.
Until German reunification this area was restricted. A high wall prevented views from East Germany. Special permission was needed to enter. Boats could still navigate the Trave delta. This was because the border followed the flood line.
The Dassower See is one of Germany’s largest bird reserves. It hosts around 30 duck species. Nordic water fowl find refuge here. The islands Buchhorst and Graswerder offer shelter. These islands have grass and reeds.
Since 1983 the Dassower See is a protected area. The European Union recognizes it as a special habitat. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also protects its adjacent shores.
Buchhorst lies 250 meters off the west bank. It covers 3.6 hectares. Graswerder also known as Plönswerder lies west of the Stepenitz mouth. It is about 1.1 hectares.
The Dassower See’s shallow depth is ideal for diving ducks. They search for food here. During winter you can spot the Tufted Duck and Scaup. The lake is Germany’s most important molting area for the Common Goldeneye. Cormorants also call this place home.
Look around. Picture the vibrant bird life. Remember the history of division and protection. The Dassower See stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. It highlights the importance of conservation.