Freseteich

Hidden within Berlin’s Marienfelde district lies the Freseteich, a tranquil body of water with a story to tell. The Freseteich isn’t just any pond. It marks the northern endpoint of the Königsgraben, a drainage ditch commissioned by King Frederick II of Prussia in 1777. Imagine the Prussian countryside, struggling with waterlogged fields. The farmers of Marienfelde needed a solution. Their king, Frederick the Great, heard their pleas. He ordered the construction of the Königsgraben to drain the Marienfelde farmland. The Freseteich became an integral part of this drainage system, serving as a crucial point for water collection and flow. The Königsgraben, originating from the Freseteich, was initially intended to flow through Lankwitz all the way to the Bäke river. However, it never fully achieved its intended purpose. Despite its initial design, the Königsgraben couldn’t handle the volume of water. Flooding continued to plague the area, particularly Lichtenrade in 1926 and 1927. This led to the construction of an additional 11-kilometer drainage canal west of Lankwitz harbor. This new canal flowed into the Teltowkanal, finally providing a more effective drainage solution. So, the next time you stand by the serene Freseteich, remember its connection to the Königsgraben and the challenges it faced. The Freseteich, a seemingly simple pond, stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water in Berlin’s landscape.