Östliche Rietschke

Slithering through Leipzig’s eastern fringes, the Östliche Rietschke whispers tales of a bygone era. The Östliche Rietschke, a name rooted in the Slavic word for “stream,” meanders for 7.5 kilometers. It begins its journey in Zuckelhausen, nurtured by various field ditches. The Östliche Rietschke then winds its way through Holzhausen, Zweinaundorf, Mölkau, and Stünz before finally meeting its end in Sellerhausen. Here, it disappears into the city’s drainage system. But its story doesn’t end there. Imagine the Östliche Rietschke in the 19th century, flowing freely westward. It formed a natural border between Volkmarsdorf and Neuschönefeld to the north, and Reudnitz to the south. Its original destination was the Parthe River, north of Leipzig. Traces of this former path can still be found in subtle depressions in the landscape. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the Östliche Rietschke valley was a cherished retreat for Leipzig’s residents. A charming footpath followed the river’s edge. The fertile valley also provided vegetables for the city. Street names like Kohlgartenstraße (Cabbage Garden Street) and Kuchengartenstraße (Cake Garden Street) echo this agricultural past. The Östliche Rietschke flows through the 40-hectare protected landscape area, “Östliche Rietzschke-Stünz,” with Stünzer Park at its heart. However, time and human activity have taken their toll. Sections of the streambed are damaged, causing water to seep away before reaching Stünzer Teich or the Rietzschke-Aue in Sellerhausen. Beneath the Östliche Rietschke, in the area of Mölkau and Sellerhausen-Stünz, lies an old sewage pipe. This pipe is likely the culprit behind the leaks. Efforts are underway to address these issues, combining the removal of the old pipe with the renaturation of a 400-meter stretch of the Östliche Rietschke in Mölkau. This project is scheduled for 2027. The Östliche Rietschke is more than just a stream. It’s a thread connecting Leipzig’s past to its future. It’s a reminder of the city’s growth, its relationship with nature, and its ongoing commitment to preserving its green spaces.