Have you ever felt the whisper of history beneath your feet? Here in Nedlitz you stand on ground that echoes with centuries of life. Nedlitz a small community nestled on the shores of the White Lake the Jungfernsee and a sliver of the Fahrlander See has a rich past. It was once an independent village. That was until its incorporation into Potsdam in 1935. Even today its unique identity remains strong.
Imagine life in Nedlitz before the 1902-1904 creation of the Nedlitzer Durchstich. This canal a straight connection between the Jungfernsee and the White Lake transformed Nedlitz. It created the island that is now known as Insel Neu Fahrland. This dramatic change severed a part of Nedlitz from the mainland. Before the canal the Nedlitzer Alte Fahrt was the sole waterway between the Lehnitzsee and the White Lake.
The very name Nedlitz whispers of its past. It possibly originates from a low German word suggesting shared resources or communal economy. This hints at the collaborative spirit that may have characterized early Nedlitz life. Archaeological findings confirm settlement in Nedlitz from the Neolithic Bronze Age and even Roman times. Three Slavic settlements further add to this intricate history.
For centuries the Nedlitz ferry held significant importance. First mentioned in a 1323 document it’s a key element of Nedlitz’s story. Though some dispute the document’s authenticity. Throughout history numerous noble families the von Hakes for example controlled this ferry. It’s interesting to see their interwoven history connected to the ferry’s profits. They played a pivotal role in the community’s economic life. The ferry’s income including five chickens annually is documented in historical records.
From a small settlement with just a ferryman’s house and a farmstead Nedlitz developed. The ferry was operated by the Müller family who paid their dues to the von Hakes. In 1680 the Elector of Brandenburg acquired the ferry. This ushered in new construction the ferryman Matthias Müller was permitted to build a wooden bridge and a tollhouse.
Nedlitz flourished as a popular destination. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries fruit growing and silkworm farming were main industries. The ferry house underwent significant changes. Ludwig Persius a notable architect designed renovations around 1843. This created a notable landmark in Potsdam’s northern region.
By the late 19th century Nedlitz blossomed into a well-regarded resort town. Three popular restaurants lined the area between the bridges the Schweizerhaus the Römerschanze and the Parkrestaurant. These hosted locals as well as visitors from Potsdam and Berlin. These restaurants were frequently chosen for company outings. After the Nedlitzer Durchstich was completed all three restaurants suddenly found themselves on an island.
Sadly World War II and the subsequent division of Germany significantly impacted Nedlitz. Both bridges were destroyed but rebuilt by 1950. Sadly the Schweizerhaus and the Römerschanze were demolished to make way for an East German highway construction combine. The Parkrestaurant lasted a little longer operating until 1990. Today remnants of these establishments remain as evidence of Nedlitz’s rich history as a resort destination. The area continues to evolve a testament to its resilience and enduring appeal. The stories of Nedlitz are numerous. It’s a charming place to explore. Its past and present create a unique narrative in the heart of Potsdam.