“Half of Berlin” they say was built with Niederlehme’s Kalksandstein. Stand here before the Niederlehme water tower. This impressive structure isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a testament to Niederlehme’s industrial past. A past deeply rooted in the production of Kalksandstein. This special type of building material fueled Niederlehme’s growth.
Niederlehme a small village initially mentioned in 1315 as Lomen inferior. It’s a name that hints at its humble beginnings. A location that differentiated it from its counterpart Hoherlehme. Niederlehme’s history is intertwined with the nearby Rüdersdorf. Rüdersdorf boasts a historic limestone quarry. Its origins trace back to the 13th century and the Zisterzienser monks. The Museumspark Rüdersdorf preserves this rich history.
The proximity to Rüdersdorf and its limestone resources boosted Niederlehme’s Kalksandstein industry. The booming construction years of 1924/1925 and 1930 saw Niederlehme’s Kalksteinwerke thriving. Robert Guthmann a prominent industrialist owned the Niederlehme Kalksandsteinwerk. Around the turn of the 20th century he decided to build the water tower. A bold statement and a local landmark.
The water tower itself is an architectural marvel. It stands 27 meters tall and is 850 meters thick. It’s a testament to the strength and durability of Kalksandstein. Inspired by the Galataturm in Istanbul a structure of similar grandeur. The water tower supplied water to Niederlehme until the 1960s. Today it stands as a symbol of Niederlehme’s resilience and ambition. While it was never publicly accessible. It now opens annually for the Wasserturmfest.
Though plans to transform it into a shipping museum or a residential tower failed. The Niederlehme water tower remains a cherished landmark. Its location near the A10 makes it a prominent feature of the southeastern Berliner Ring. Niederlehme’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of Berlin. It’s a story whispered in every brick and stone. A history that continues to resonate in this unassuming yet significant village.