Have you ever felt the tranquility of a hidden oasis? Welcome to the Schleipfuhl a nearly circular glacial lake nestled in the heart of Berlin’s Marzahn-Hellersdorf district. It’s a secret jewel a place where nature thrives amidst the urban sprawl. The Schleipfuhl isn’t just a body of water. It’s a vital part of a five-hectare nature reserve. Imagine a haven for wildlife where rare and protected species have found refuge.
The Schleipfuhl’s story begins long ago in the Ice Age. Its formation is a testament to the forces of nature that shaped this landscape. The lake and its neighboring Feldweiher are remnants of the original landscape. They represent a significant area for nature conservation and biodiversity. The water levels fluctuate. Only the Schleipfuhl maintains a consistent water level.
The Schleipfuhl is a symphony of life. Its shores are adorned with willows meadows ferns and wildflowers. These plants provide shelter and breeding grounds for amphibians and water birds. A survey at the start of the 21st century counted 28 bird species including nightingales monk grasshoppers marsh warblers and woodpeckers. Endangered species like the moorhen little grebe and redshank have also found a home here. During migration grey herons swallows hawks and harriers make the Schleipfuhl their temporary resting place. The marshy environment is a haven for moor frogs common toads common spadefoot toads and garlic toads.
But the Schleipfuhl is more than just a beautiful natural area. It is also home to a remarkable Naturschutzzentrum a nature conservation center built between 1995 and 1996. This eco-friendly building is equipped with solar panels a wind turbine and a rainwater collection system. Its garden features a man-made clay pond a willow tunnel with a sensory path a dry stone wall a raised bed and a clay-wicker wall for solitary insects an insect hotel. A unique attraction is a clay oven where bread is baked using traditional methods. The center actively promotes environmental education for children and adults. It offers guided tours educational programs and exhibitions throughout the year. The Schleipfuhl’s Naturschutzzentrum is maintained by the Förderverein Naturschutzstation Malchow a conservation society founded in 1992.
A unique project called Pfuhllandschaft im Quartier Schleipfuhl shows the area’s inspiration. It’s a renatured area built by a housing association. It’s located in a residential courtyard. It’s funded by the Stadtumbau Ost urban renewal program. It serves as a reminder of how even in urban settings nature can be revitalized and appreciated.
The Schleipfuhl is easily accessible by public transport. You can reach it from the Hellersdorf U-Bahn station. It’s a short walk through a beautiful area. So take some time to explore the winding paths and discover the rich biodiversity of this remarkable place. Remember the Schleipfuhl is a valuable natural treasure and a testament to the beauty and importance of urban nature conservation. The Schleipfuhl awaits. Let its tranquility embrace you.