Müggelsee

Across from Holzmarkt and in the heart of one of Berlin's trendiest neighborhoods, you suddenly enter a green oasis on the southern bank of the Spree: the Spreeacker. Since 2011, neighborhood initiatives and projects focused on sustainable and participatory urban development have been shaping a small strip of the Spree riverside here.

The Spreeacker e.V., founded in 2014, is collaborating with the local community to create a place for relaxation and gardening. A publicly accessible forest garden, orchard, and fruit meadow are being developed right on the banks of the Spree. Vegetables and herbs can be grown and harvested in raised beds. Additionally, the association is working to preserve the historic boathouse with its terrace and utilize the collectively developed riverside path for events and educational offerings.

In close proximity, you'll find the Teepeeland, a cultural and neighborhood project and alternative living space for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. This place invites people to participate, get involved, and rediscover the urban living environment - a green learning and community space right on the Spree is being created here.

Relevance: Shared sustainable and social urban development, city as a living environment and meeting place, nature-oriented development of the Spree riverside.

SpreeAcker e.V.

Historic River Bath

During pre-industrial times, numerous bathing spots, particularly at Mühlendamm, were used for swimming. However, industrialization severely deteriorated the water quality in Berlin's waters, leading to the closure of most of these bathing areas. But there were exceptions, such as the Municipal River Bath in Lichtenberg, located directly on the Rummelsburger See, which was in operation from 1927 to 1950. There was also a bathing facility in the River Spree, right in front of the Berlin Palace, which was eventually closed in 1924. However, the most famous river bath was undoubtedly the "Pfuel'sche Badeanstalt" at the location of the present-day East Side Gallery.

In 1817, the military officer and politician Ernst Heinrich Adolf von Pfuel established the first official river bath at Köpenicker Straße 12. It originally served the purpose of military swimming training but soon became open to the general public as well. The facility had an enclosed water basin, and fishing constructions were designed to help inexperienced male swimmers stay afloat. According to different sources, the river bath operated until either 1925 or 1933 before it was also closed.

The association "Flussbad Berlin e.V." is now the first initiative since 2012 to advocate for transforming the Spree, specifically the Spree Canal in Mitte, into a public swimming area (see Flussbad).

Relevance: Sporting and social use of the River Spree.

HISTORY

Historic River Bath

Forgotten Use of the River Spree