“A sack,” they once called it. That’s right. We’re standing at the Pichelssee. This Spandau lake, a widened part of the Havel, has a story etched in its very shape and name.
The Pichelssee is more than just a pretty body of water. It is a testament to Berlin’s glacial past. Born from the most recent Ice Age, it sits amidst the moraine landscape. For a long time, its rounded form led locals to call it “Der Sack” or “The Sack”.
But with the rise of Pichelsdorf, it gained its present name. Now, homes and boat docks line its shores. Across the water, the wooded peninsula of Pichelswerder beckons. It is a protected nature area.
Imagine a sudden downpour in the 19th century. It triggered a “Sackwunder”. This “Sack Miracle” saw a small island emerge from the depths. Mud, fish, and shells coalesced. Though it partly sank back, the remainder merged with the shore. It expanded the lake’s edge. Curious visitors flocked to witness the event.
Today, the Havel, including the Pichelssee, bustles with ships. Sailing boats glide across the water. A marina and boat rentals stand ready. The Stößensee lies on Pichelswerder’s east side. West of the developed area, the Scharfe Lanke adds to the waterscape.
The road leading south from Alt-Pichelsdorf bears the lake’s name: Am Pichelssee. Here, a DLRG station stands guard. Since the 1980s, thermal baths invite relaxation. IG Metall operates an educational facility nearby.
Anglers and professional fishers value the lake’s diverse fish population. Aal, Aland, Barsch, Brassen and many other species thrive here. Pichelswerder even has a dog-bathing area.
So, as you gaze upon the Pichelssee, remember its story. It’s a story of ice, of a miracle, of recreation and nature. It is a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. The Pichelssee remains a vital part of Berlin’s landscape.