Beneath our feet flows a tale of two rivers. This is the story of the Schmale Gera. It is a unique waterway in Erfurt. Have you ever wondered how a river can have an identity crisis?
The Schmale Gera begins its journey in the heart of Erfurt. Specifically, it branches off from the Wilde Gera in the Venedig park. This division marks the start of its independent existence. The Schmale Gera doesn’t rejoin the main river. Instead, it charts its own course through the Thuringian Basin.
This waterway’s path wasn’t always straightforward. When the Flutgraben, a flood control canal, was built in the 19th century, it threatened the Schmale Gera. Engineers ingeniously built a culvert. This allowed the Schmale Gera to flow under the Flutgraben. This ensured its continued existence. You can find this feat of engineering near the Boyneburgufer.
The Schmale Gera then meanders through Erfurt’s Mühlenviertel. Street names like Waidmühlenweg and Papiermühlenweg whisper tales of the mills that once thrived here. These mills were powered by the Schmale Gera. The Industrial Revolution caused these mills to disappear. Only a few remain like the Heiligenmühle in Ilversgehofen.
Beyond the city, the Schmale Gera flows past Nöda and Riethnordhausen. It runs close to the foot of the hills. Near Haßleben, the Kantorberg separates it from the main Gera river.
South of Werningshausen, the Schmale Gera drives the Cux mill. It merges with the Wilder Graben. Finally, near Werningshausen, it joins the Gramme. Interestingly, the Gramme then flows in the Schmale Gera’s former bed. From this confluence, it’s a short distance to the Unstrut. The Schmale Gera’s independent journey spans over 25 kilometers.
The Schmale Gera is more than just a river. It’s a testament to Erfurt’s history. Its waters powered industries. Its course shaped the landscape. Next time you’re in Erfurt, take a moment to appreciate the Schmale Gera. It is a small river with a big story.