Across the Teufelsseekanal the Oberhavelsteg gracefully arches. This pedestrian and cyclist bridge isn’t just a pathway. It’s a link to a fascinating past. Built in 1991 it spans the canal’s mouth where it meets the Havel River. The Oberhavelsteg is more than just concrete and steel. It’s a silent witness to industrial might and Cold War tension.
Before the Oberhavelsteg stood the Kraftwerk Oberhavel. This power plant fueled Spandau’s growth from 1914. Its construction necessitated the Teufelsseekanal. The canal was vital for transporting coal and oil to the plant. The canal’s unusual name originates from a now-vanished lake. The Teufelssee or Devil’s Lake. It was drained to create the canal. The lake’s name however lives on.
During the German division the Teufelsseekanal became a border crossing. It facilitated commercial goods traffic. West Berlin’s customs post stood here. A constant reminder of the city’s divided state. The Oberhavelsteg stands where checkpoints once stood. A symbol of reunification and freedom of movement.
The warm water discharged from the Kraftwerk Oberhavel had an unforeseen consequence. It created a haven for fish. Catfish and carp grew unusually large. Anglers flocked to this unexpected fishing paradise. The Teufelsseekanal was a Berlin angling hotspot. Waiting lines for fishing permits became legendary.
Today the Oberhavelsteg offers a peaceful journey. A quiet contrast to the industrial past. It connects to the Berlin-Copenhagen cycle route and the Havel Cycle Route. Walk or cycle across the Oberhavelsteg. Feel the history beneath your feet. Remember the stories of industry division and resurgence. The Oberhavelsteg a bridge linking past and present. A testament to Berlin’s resilience.