How much water can a river hold? It’s a question we might ask while standing before the Kleine Weser in Bremen. This unassuming body of water, a mere 2 kilometers long, is more than meets the eye. It’s a testament to Bremen’s ongoing dance with the mighty Weser River. Before the 1970s, the Kleine Weser was a tidal channel, a remnant of the river’s old path. It only truly sprang to life during floods, when the surging Weser spilled into its banks. Today, the Kleine Weser plays a crucial role in flood control. It acts as an escape valve for the main Weser, diverting excess water away from the city center during high tide. This function was particularly evident during the flood of March 1981. The event led to significant reshaping of the Kleine Weser’s course to better manage future floods. A weir, built in 1962, separates the tidal section of the Kleine Weser from the still waters of the Werdersee. This weir marks a transition point, a reminder of the river’s tamed power. As we stand here, appreciating the tranquility of the Kleine Weser, let’s remember its hidden strength. This unassuming waterway silently protects Bremen from the unpredictable temperament of the mighty Weser.
Getreideverkehrsanlage, Silo I
What if these walls could talk? Here at the Getreideverkehrsanlage, Silo I, they’d whisper tales of a Bremen brimming with