Mühlendammschleuse

Can you imagine the bustling activity that once took place right here in front of us? This is the Müh­lendammschleuse, a historical monument and a forgotten gateway to Rostock’s past. The Müh­lendammschleuse was a vital link between the inland waterways and the Baltic Sea. It was built in 1887 to connect a planned waterway from Rostock to Berlin, but the canal was only completed to Güstrow. The Müh­lendammschleuse served as a vital connection for ships carrying cargo like bricks, sugar beets, peat, and coal. Even excursion steamers took visitors through the picturesque landscape of the Warnow river, connecting Rostock to towns like Schwaan and Bützow.
But times changed. With the rise of motor vehicles, cargo ships were replaced by smaller motorboats and kayaks. The Müh­lendammschleuse continued to control the water levels for the Warnow, ensuring protection against flooding and serving as a vital component of Rostock’s drinking water supply.
The Müh­lendammschleuse played a significant role in the city’s history, but in recent decades, it fell into disrepair. The original sluice gates were damaged beyond repair, and the entire structure needed major renovations. Unfortunately, the Müh­lendammschleuse was closed to boat traffic in 2011 due to the construction of a new bridge. It was supposed to be renovated, but the project never materialized.
The Müh­lendammschleuse was filled with sand and a temporary land bridge was built over it. Now, the area has become a place where small rowboats can be carried across the old sluice basin. It is a reminder of a time when the Warnow was a busy waterway, and the Müh­lendammschleuse stood as a testament to Rostock’s maritime heritage. It remains a silent witness to the evolving landscape, a relic of the past that continues to intrigue us even as it awaits its uncertain future.