Steinbach

Imagine a tiny stream whispering secrets through the heart of Sassnitz. This is the Steinbach a waterway with a story to tell. It begins its journey nestled within the Jasmund National Park. From there it flows southward leaving the park’s embrace. For over a century and a half it flowed hidden beneath the town of Sassnitz. It was fully enclosed in pipes since 1860. Yet in 2003 a small section was lovingly resurrected. A portion of the Steinbach was reopened. This revitalized section runs from the pond in Sassnitz Zoo. It’s visible before disappearing again under the Bergstrasse. Then it continues its journey hidden below the Rosenstrasse and Marktstrasse. Finally it meanders along the charming Bachpromenade. It flows through the old town towards the sea. The Steinbach’s journey culminates at the Baltic Sea. Near the Sassnitz pier its waters meet the ocean. Since the promenade’s renovation in 1995 its mouth is visible once more marked by a metallic stele. More than just a stream the Steinbach is a part of Sassnitz’s identity. Streets like the Bachpromenade Bachstrasse and Steinbachweg are named in its honor. In addition to the Steinbach the Tribberbach flows through the Sassnitz-Lancken district. The Steinbach though is unique a thread woven into the fabric of this coastal town. Its journey from the pristine Jasmund National Park to the bustling seaside promenade is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the human spirit that seeks to preserve it. The next time you stroll along Sassnitz’s promenade remember the Steinbach. Recall its long journey its brief resurrection and its enduring connection to this remarkable place. The Steinbach is a quiet storyteller a silent witness to Sassnitz’s history. Listen closely and you might just hear its whispers.