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Weißer See (Berlin)
Encyclopedia
Weißer See is a lake
in the Weissensee district of Berlin
, Germany
. Its surface area is 8.3011ha (84,000m2) and volume 360,606m3. With a depth of 10.64m (average depth 4.34m) it is one of the deepest areas of water in Berlin. Its dimensions are approx. 300m East-West by 350m North-South.
The lake and its surrounding landscape were shaped by the Weichsel ice age. It is embedded in the ground moraines of Niederbarnimer. During the melting of the ice a huge block of ice remained; when it subsequently thawed it created what is known as a kettle hole. This was the origin of today's Weisser See. Over the centuries settlements developed around the lake, mainly based on agriculture; the oldest known settlement dates from the 13th century.
During the past 150 years, through development of the near shore, the water balance and catchment area have been increasingly disturbed.
As a reminder of the cultural heritage of the Sterneckerschen establishment (Weissensee Castle), there still exists the Strandbad Weissensee (Weissensee bathing beach), dating from 1912. In addition to its role as a bathing and recreation area, the Weisser See also functions as an overflow lake for the Weissensee storm sewers. The water level in the lake is regulated by the Berlin water company and measured at the bathing place. During times of low rainfall water from nearby sources can be pumped into the lake underneath the observation deck. Since the expense of the pumping is met by the surrounding district of Pankow
, this additional water supply is limited by financial considerations. Notable in the Weisser See is a centre fountain of considerable height, which with the help of the Young Pioneers Diving Club is put into operation each year.
The Weissensee Park surrounds the lake. On the banks of the lake there is a boat rental station and the historic Milchhäuschen (milk house), a café that was well known in DDR times.
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
in the Weissensee district of Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. Its surface area is 8.3011ha (84,000m2) and volume 360,606m3. With a depth of 10.64m (average depth 4.34m) it is one of the deepest areas of water in Berlin. Its dimensions are approx. 300m East-West by 350m North-South.
The lake and its surrounding landscape were shaped by the Weichsel ice age. It is embedded in the ground moraines of Niederbarnimer. During the melting of the ice a huge block of ice remained; when it subsequently thawed it created what is known as a kettle hole. This was the origin of today's Weisser See. Over the centuries settlements developed around the lake, mainly based on agriculture; the oldest known settlement dates from the 13th century.
During the past 150 years, through development of the near shore, the water balance and catchment area have been increasingly disturbed.
As a reminder of the cultural heritage of the Sterneckerschen establishment (Weissensee Castle), there still exists the Strandbad Weissensee (Weissensee bathing beach), dating from 1912. In addition to its role as a bathing and recreation area, the Weisser See also functions as an overflow lake for the Weissensee storm sewers. The water level in the lake is regulated by the Berlin water company and measured at the bathing place. During times of low rainfall water from nearby sources can be pumped into the lake underneath the observation deck. Since the expense of the pumping is met by the surrounding district of Pankow
Pankow
Pankow is the third borough of Berlin. In Berlin's 2001 administrative reform it was merged with the former boroughs of Prenzlauer Berg and Weißensee; the resulting borough retained the name Pankow.- Overview :...
, this additional water supply is limited by financial considerations. Notable in the Weisser See is a centre fountain of considerable height, which with the help of the Young Pioneers Diving Club is put into operation each year.
The Weissensee Park surrounds the lake. On the banks of the lake there is a boat rental station and the historic Milchhäuschen (milk house), a café that was well known in DDR times.