Ever wondered about a lake born from a brewery’s thirst? Welcome to Obersee a hidden gem nestled within Berlin’s Alt-Hohenschönhausen. This isn’t just any lake. Obersee has a fascinating story. It began its life in 1895 not as a natural wonder but as a clever solution. The Löwenbrauerei AG a local brewery needed a reliable water supply and ice. They found their answer in a natural dip in the landscape. This depression once held the Erftpfuhl and Lindenwerderlake. Filling this basin created Obersee. Its name Obersee meaning upper lake refers to its water level which is about 1.5 meters higher than its neighbour the Orankesee.
The Obersee isn’t merely a water source. It’s the heart of Hohenschönhausen’s elegant villa district. Surrounding the lake is a collection of stunning villas built in the early 20th century. These houses stand as silent witnesses to the lake’s history and the area’s development. Imagine the lives that unfolded within those walls. Their elegant facades mirror the tranquility of Obersee.
A remarkable landmark rises above Obersee’s shores. This is a water tower built around 1900. It initially supplied the brewery then later served the burgeoning community. The tower’s design is quite unique. It featured an iron water tank a design by the renowned engineer Otto Intze. Hundreds of such tanks existed throughout Germany. The tower however didn’t remain untouched by the tides of time. After the brewery’s closure in 1922 the tower and waterworks fell into disuse. It was even slated for demolition. The water tank was indeed removed in 1933. The tower’s structure was repurposed during World War II as a flak position. Later it served as a radio station. Today the renovated tower houses a bar and an apartment. At night a green ring atop the tower signals its opening.
The Obersee isn’t just about its water or its tower. A park flanks Obersee’s edge. The Oberseepark designed by Otto Werner between 1912 and 1913 was originally meant to be quite different. The park design was altered to include a memorial for the soldiers of Hohenschönhausen who fell in World War I. The park remained closed for many years after World War II due to its use by the Soviet military administration. It opened again in the late 1950s. Today the park features sculptures like the “Sun Worshipper” and “Elegie.” The park continues to evolve reflecting the changing face of the neighbourhood. The Obersee has quietly witnessed it all.
Obersee is more than just a body of water. It’s a living testament to Berlin’s history. A unique space where industrial ingenuity and urban development intertwined. A place of quiet contemplation. A place where history meets the present. Take a moment to appreciate the unique charm of Obersee. Let its history whisper its stories to you.