Wasserturm Bernau

Rising majestically above the town of Bernau bei Berlin, the Wasserturm Bernau is a testament to early 20th-century engineering and architectural prowess. This neogothic water tower, built between 1910 and 1911, stands as a historical monument and a cultural beacon in Brandenburg, Germany. Nestled on Mühlenberg, the highest elevation in Bernau, the tower has witnessed the town's evolution and now offers visitors a unique glimpse into its storied past and vibrant present.

The History of Wasserturm Bernau

At the dawn of the 20th century, Bernau bei Berlin was experiencing a significant population boom, necessitating the construction of a reliable water supply system. In January 1910, the city administration purchased a 40,030 square meter meadow from banker Mendelssohn for the waterworks and allocated a centrally located plot on Mühlenberg for the water tower. The task of designing this critical infrastructure was entrusted to Emil Prinz, a civil engineer specializing in waterworks and sewerage systems. Prinz, drawing on his extensive experience, meticulously planned the waterworks, the tower, and the necessary underground pipeline network.

After receiving approval from the government president in Potsdam on February 14, 1910, the construction of the Wasserturm Bernau commenced under Prinz's supervision. The foundation work began on May 27, 1910, and the tower's construction progressed rapidly, culminating in its completion within the same year. The inscription above the entrance proudly proclaims Erbaut 1910 (Built 1910), marking the tower's inception. By 1911, the new water supply system was fully operational, serving the burgeoning population of Bernau.

Architectural Marvel

The Wasserturm Bernau is an architectural gem, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The tower's base, constructed from natural stone masonry, extends five meters above street level. The cylindrical brick shaft seamlessly transitions into the container's casing, crowned by four gables that follow the curvature of the cylinder. The conical roof, adorned with short gable segments, adds to the tower's medieval castle-like appearance. Architect Otto Stiehl infused the design with neogothic elements, evident in the entrance area and the tower's top, evoking the grandeur of a medieval fortress.

Standing 13 meters in diameter at its widest point, the tower's interior houses a high reservoir with an outer diameter of eight meters. This steel-segmented, riveted tank, measuring 8.75 meters in height, has a capacity of 3,500 cubic meters. A free-standing four-and-a-half-story steel staircase leads to a platform situated 20 meters above street level, providing access to the tank's hand-operated valves. The tower's technical equipment, including pumps, pipes, and valves, was supplied by the Berlin-based Maschinenfabrik Cyclop Mehlis & Behrens and installed in the summer of 1910.

A New Chapter: Cultural Revival

After serving the town's water supply needs for over eight decades, the Wasserturm Bernau was decommissioned in 1995. For a time, the tower stood silent, a relic of a bygone era. However, in 2009, a new chapter began as the tower found a second life as a cultural venue. Today, the Wasserturm Bernau hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events, breathing new life into this historic structure. Visitors can arrange tours through the PANKE-Park Kulturkonvent Bernau e.V., the Stadtwerke Bernau, or the Wasser- und Abwasserverband Panke/Finow, offering a chance to explore the tower's fascinating history and architectural splendor.

The Surroundings

The Wasserturm Bernau is not just a solitary landmark but part of a vibrant community. To the east, a sports hall and field serve the local schools and the FSV Bernau sports club. Nearby, the DRK-operated Kita Kinderland am Wasserturm and a Montessori kindergarten, established in 1998, cater to the town's youngest residents. Additionally, the historic Sankt-Georgen-Hospital, another architectural marvel, is located in close proximity, adding to the area's rich cultural tapestry.

In conclusion, the Wasserturm Bernau is more than just a water tower; it is a symbol of Bernau bei Berlin's resilience and adaptability. From its inception as a vital water supply structure to its current role as a cultural hub, the tower stands tall as a testament to the town's historical significance and cultural vibrancy. A visit to the Wasserturm Bernau offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past, appreciate architectural beauty, and experience the cultural heartbeat of this charming town in Brandenburg.