How about a secret stream beneath our feet? The story of the Hüllgraben is more than just drainage. It is a tale of hidden waters and human intervention.
The Hüllgraben is connected to the Hachinger Bach. It is a vital part of Munich’s water system. But its story begins far from here.
Let’s journey back to the Hachinger Bach. This river begins south of Munich. It flows through several townships. These include Oberhaching, Taufkirchen, and Unterhaching. The Hachinger Bach then enters Munich in Perlach.
For centuries, the Hachinger Bach flowed freely. It was a natural waterway. But, like many rivers, it was altered over time. People changed its course to suit their needs.
In 1933, a major change occurred. The Hachinger Bach was redirected. Now, it flows into an underground concrete pipeline. This pipeline carries the water to the edge of Bogenhausen. Here, the Hüllgraben begins.
So, what exactly is the Hüllgraben’s role? It acts as a crucial drainage canal. It carries the water from the Hachinger Bach. The Hüllgraben then flows into the Johanneskirchen wetland. From there, the water enters the Abfanggraben. Finally, it reaches the Mittlere-Isar-Kanal at the Neufinsing hydroelectric station. This is a long journey for water that starts as a small stream.
Imagine the Hachinger Bach traveling beneath the city. It runs under Kampenwandstraße. It turns along the Hachinger-Bach-Straße. Then it heads north under St. Veit-Straße. Finally, it surfaces to feed the Hüllgraben.
The residents of Berg am Laim have been requesting a change since the 1980s. They want to uncover a 3.8 km section of the Hachinger Bach. This section runs between Ostpark and the Hüllgraben. A dry riverbed already exists. It stretches from the underground intake to the Josephsburg U-Bahn station. But plans to bring the stream to the surface failed in 2005 due to budget issues.
The Hüllgraben plays a vital role in managing Munich’s water. It helps prevent flooding and ensures proper drainage.
The Hüllgraben, though unseen by many, plays a crucial role. It connects the Hachinger Bach to the larger water system.