Egelsee

Hidden amongst the hills of Stuttgart, lies the Egelsee. It’s not just a lake. It’s a living artwork. The Egelsee is a testament to human creativity, nestled within the “Green U” park area. It was built for the 1993 International Garden Exhibition. It’s a blend of nature and artistry, waiting to be discovered. The Egelsee is a man-made marvel, designed by Hans Luz. He transformed a quiet valley into a dynamic landscape. Two streams converge, feeding a cascade of ponds called the “Krebsschwanz,” which means “crayfish tail”. These ponds flow into the main body of the Egelsee. The lake itself consists of a rectangular basin, bookended by two circular ponds. At one end is the Kugelsee (“Sphere Lake”), featuring a spherical fountain. At the other, the Fontänensee (“Fountain Lake”) boasts a water organ. The north shore of the Egelsee is a playful space. It features a water channel lined with whimsical fountains and bubblers. These are synchronized with the Kugel fountain and water organ in a computer-controlled choreography. The south shore offers a contrasting experience. It retains a natural feel, with wild plants and a rock fountain. The Egelsee offers a captivating spectacle of water in motion. From the bubbling springs to the soaring fountains, every element is designed to engage the senses. The Kugel fountain in the Kugelsee, created by Hans Dieter Bohnet, is a highlight. It’s a three-quarter sphere made of stainless steel, with a smaller sphere at its core. This inner sphere intermittently sends up a vertical jet or fan-shaped fountains, creating a mesmerizing display. The design of the Egelsee’s shores reflects a political debate. The north shore, with its artificial elements, represents the factions that supported the garden exhibition. The natural south shore symbolizes the Green Party, which opposed it. Originally, the area was intended to incorporate a reed bed system to filter rainwater from nearby exhibition halls. This plan, however, wasn’t realized. The exhibition halls were later demolished, making the issue moot. The Egelsee also serves a practical purpose. It acts as a retention basin, capable of handling heavy rainfall and managing surface water runoff. So, as you stand by the Egelsee, take a moment to appreciate the fusion of art, nature, and engineering. It’s a place where water dances, history whispers, and the human spirit finds expression.