Beyond the city’s historic gates lies a serene escape. Have you ever heard of the Wakenitz und Falkenhusen? It is a protected landscape. It is a place where nature’s tranquility meets historical echoes.
The Wakenitz und Falkenhusen is more than just pretty scenery. It is a testament to Lubeck’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. It invites us to explore. It beckons us to understand the intricate relationship between the city and its surrounding environment.
The Wakenitz River flows gently through this area. Its name comes from the Slavic word for “perch river”. This hints at the river’s rich history and abundant wildlife. Helmold von Bosau mentioned the Wakenitz in the 12th century. He called it wochniza or wochenice. Since the Schaalsee Canal opened the Wakenitz drains about 445 square kilometers.
The Wakenitz River begins at the Ratzeburger See. It flows for about 15 kilometers before reaching the Trave in Lubeck. For a long time, the eastern bank of the Wakenitz marked the border. It separated Schleswig-Holstein from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This division made it part of the Iron Curtain after World War II.
The river’s path has been altered over time. Before the Elbe-Lubeck Canal was built it flowed around the city hill. It emptied into the Trave south of Lubeck. After the canal was built the Wakenitz was blocked by the Falkendamm dam. Now water flows through a culvert into the Krahenteich and Muhlenteich.
The Wakenitz und Falkenhusen area is a haven for biodiversity. The river’s unique environment supports diverse plant and animal life. It is called the “Amazon of the North” because of its wild nature. This wildness was preserved by its remote location along the inner German border until 1989.
The Wakenitz has a slope of 4.6 meters from Rothenhusen to the Trave. The Falkendamm dam helps maintain the water level. The Wakenitz is now 3.5 meters higher than the Trave.
Historically the Wakenitz powered water mills. It supplied water to the city. It was also part of Lubeck’s medieval defenses. The water was so clean that it was used for drinking until 1972. Today motorboats need permission to use the river. This protects the water quality.
In 1158 the river was first documented as Wocnitziam. In the Middle Ages the Wakenitz was dammed to power mills. This created the Krahenteich and Muhlenteich. In 1291 Lubeck bought the river rights from Duke Albrecht II of Saxony. This ensured control over the water level.
Today excursion boats travel between Lubeck and Rothenhusen. The Wakenitz und Falkenhusen is now a protected area.
The A20 highway crosses the Wakenitz near Gross Gronau and Luedersdorf. There were plans to tunnel under the river for environmental reasons. Lack of funds prevented this. But so far there have been no visible negative effects on local wildlife.
In the 12th century Duke Heinrich the Lion tried to undermine Lubeck’s trade. He created a rival trading post called Lowenstadt on the Wakenitz. The river proved unsuitable for large ships. The duke and count reached an agreement. This allowed Lubeck to be rebuilt in 1159.
The Wakenitz’s still waters and lush landscapes offer a peaceful retreat. Its rich history reminds us of Lubeck’s strategic importance. The Wakenitz und Falkenhusen is truly a treasure. It links the past with the present. It invites everyone to explore and appreciate its natural and historical beauty. It is a place where the whispers of history blend seamlessly. The landscape provides an unforgettable experience.