Steinhuder Meer

Steinhuder Meer

Wilhelmstein fortress in the lake
Location 30 km NW of Hanover, Lower Saxony
Coordinates 52°28′N 9°20′E / 52.467°N 9.333°E / 52.467; 9.333Coordinates: 52°28′N 9°20′E / 52.467°N 9.333°E / 52.467; 9.333
Primary inflows groundwater, precipitation
Primary outflows Meerbach (towards Weser River)
Basin countries Germany
Max. length 8 km (5.0 mi)
Max. width 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
Surface area 29.12 km2 (11.24 sq mi)
Average depth 1.35 m (4 ft 5 in)
Max. depth 3 m (9.8 ft)
Water volume 0.088 km3 (0.021 cu mi)
Islands 2 (Wilhelmstein and Badeinsel)
Settlements Steinhude

The Steinhuder Meer or Lake Steinhude[1] is a lake in Lower Saxony, Germany located 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Hanover. It is named after the nearby village of Steinhude. It has an area of about 30 square kilometres (12 sq mi), making it the largest lake of northwestern Germany, but it is very shallow, with an average depth of only 1.35 metres (4.4 ft) and a maximum depth of less than 3 metres (9.8 ft). It lies within a region known as the Hanoverian Moor Geest.

Geology

It is part of the glacial landscape formed after the recession of the glaciers of the latest Ice Age, the Weichselian glaciation. There are two theories regarding how the lake of Steinhude was formed. One of them says that glaciers gouged out the hole and meltwater filled it. The other theory states that an ice storm formed the hole and as the groundwater rose, the lake was created.[2] In its middle there is a small artificial island carrying an 18th-century fortification, the Wilhelmstein. Today the lake is the heart of a nature reserve, the Steinhuder Meer Nature Park, and is also used as a recreational area.

Islands

The lake has two islands, both of them artificial:

Sculpture in Steinhude

Tourism

The lake is a popular destination for locals and for vacationists. Up to three ships offer cruises; they are supplemented by smaller boats running on schedule across the lake. A bike path (ca. 22 mi/35 km) encircles the lake, crossing various landscapes.

References

  1. Lake Steinhude at www.germany-tourism.co.uk. Accessed on 21 Mar 11.
  2. "Wie das Steinhuder Meer entstand"

External links

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