Have you ever wondered why a small stream like the Hachinger Bach has such a long and fascinating history? It flows south of Munich, meandering through charming villages like Oberhaching, Taufkirchen, and Unterhaching, before reaching the heart of Munich. The Hachinger Bach is much more than just a stream; it is a vital artery that has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape and lives of the people for centuries. This small stream has its origins in a former glacial valley, where groundwater seeps through the Gleiβental and eventually emerges as the Hachinger Bach. Its journey through the centuries has been fraught with both natural challenges and human interventions.
In its early days, the Hachinger Bach was a source of life. It provided fresh water for a thriving community along its banks. It also served as a vital trade route, connecting the city of Munich to the surrounding areas. Locals called it the “Forellenbach” because of its abundance of trout. Despite being a source of life, the Hachinger Bach could sometimes become a source of destruction. Every few years, the water would vanish entirely, leaving behind a dry riverbed. This baffled the locals who couldn’t explain the disappearance. This phenomenon led to many legends about the stream, one of which blames the Devil for the water’s disappearance. Another legend tells of two brothers who couldn’t agree on who would inherit a mill on the Bach, and, as a result of their dispute, God made the water disappear upstream of the mill.
In more recent times, the Hachinger Bach has been subjected to numerous alterations for human purposes. It has been regulated, rerouted, and even buried underground. This was done to improve water management, enhance agricultural use, and make space for development. Today, the Hachinger Bach serves a different but equally important purpose: it provides a vital green space in the heart of Munich, a place for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.