The Devil’s Canal. A name whispered on the wind. It sounds ominous doesn’t it? But the Teufelsseekanal in Berlin’s Spandau district holds a fascinating history far beyond mere legend.
This canal a branch of the Havel River wasn’t always a quiet waterway. It was built in the 1910s primarily to supply a newly constructed power plant. The Kraftwerk Oberhavel thrived here until 2002. Imagine the constant hum of machinery the steady flow of coal barges. This industrial giant which was demolished between 2005 and 2009 dominated this landscape.
During the Cold War the Teufelsseekanal became a unique border crossing. A checkpoint for commercial goods traffic. West Berlin’s customs office was strategically positioned here. While East German authorities controlled the upstream Hennigsdorf checkpoint this location was out of their direct sightline. Think of the hushed tension the constant surveillance.
The warm water discharged by the power plant created an unexpected consequence. A thriving fish population. Giant catfish and carp weighing over 20 kilograms were regularly caught. Anglers considered this canal a mecca a true fisherman’s paradise. The wait for fishing licenses became legendary. The queues were so long that they became a city story.
Today the Teufelsseekanal is mostly quiet. The Kraftwerk Oberhavel is gone. The border crossing a relic of a bygone era. The Oberhavelsteg a modern cable-stayed bridge now spans the canal. It’s part of the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route offering stunning views. While the industrial clamor is gone the echoes of the past remain. The name Teufelsseekanal continues to intrigue. It whispers tales of power struggles secret crossings and even record-breaking fish. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly ordinary canals harbor extraordinary stories. A story waiting to be discovered.