Have you ever wondered how a city gets its fresh water? The Pütter See, a lake hidden just outside Stralsund, holds the key to this story. The Pütter See might seem like a tranquil, peaceful body of water, but it has a long history of being vital to the city. It was once a larger lake, connected to the Borgwallsee by a deep channel. Over time, the channel filled with sediment, separating the two lakes.
The Pütter See has been a source of life and sustenance for centuries. Farmers used the water for irrigation, anglers fished for their dinner, and families enjoyed swimming in its cool waters. And it also supplied clean, fresh water to the city of Stralsund. In 1256, an ingenious system was established to ensure that the city never ran dry: the Mühlgraben, or “Mill Canal” was built. This canal diverted water from the Borgwallsee to Stralsund, powering mills and providing a reliable source of drinking water. Today, the Mühlgraben still flows from the Pütter See to the city, a constant reminder of the crucial role this lake has played in the history of Stralsund.
Standing on the shores of the Pütter See, you can almost hear the echoes of the past: splashing children, the clack of mill wheels, the cries of fishermen. Though the lake may appear serene and untouched, it is steeped in history. The very ground beneath your feet may hold secrets of ancient settlements, remnants of a past that has long been forgotten. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature – how a simple lake can play a vital role in the life of a city – and how a small body of water can bear witness to centuries of change.