Nieplitz Spring

This is a (ultimately rather inconspicuous) depression in the forest where the first water for the Nieplitz gathers.

The name "Nieplitz" appears in documents from around the year 1300. It is probably of Wendish origin and means "non-navigable river". The area was shaped by the last two ice ages. The older Saale Ice Age left behind the Fläming mountain range. The more recent Vistula glacial period created the deeper Baruth glacial valley to the north. The headwaters of the Nieplitz are on the edge of the Fläming plateau, which slopes down towards the Baruth glacial valley. Due to the sloping terrain, a water-storing layer in the ground is cut. This leads the collected seepage water from the higher Fläming here to the surface. Water comes to light in several springs and feeds the Nieplitz at its source.Here is the inconspicuous beginning of the Nieplitz. The first small “trickle” forms inconspicuously at this point. Further inflows from other sources allow the rivulet to steadily widen and grow into a handsome stream. A hike in the Nieplitztal is a special experience, especially in spring. A colorful carpet of flowering anemones and lesser celandine uses the first rays of sunshine before the leaves of the trees sprout again and shade the ground.

The headwaters of the Nieplitz lie in a shady mixed deciduous forest. Alder quarries and stately old oaks line the stream. Here in the upper reaches, the Nieplitz can still be experienced in a natural way. It meanders along the winding path. In the constantly cool water, areas of strong currents alternate with areas that are calm and only shallowly overflowed. Small alluvial sand islands protrude from the creek, muddy shore strips accompany the water. The abundance of structures creates a unique variety of habitats. Rare residents, such as the brook lamprey, feel at home here. The protected fish species requires oxygen-rich waters with good water quality. The larvae live buried – toothless and blind – for up to six years in shallow, overflowing sand. Only the mouths protrude into the slowly flowing water to filter microorganisms and particles out of the water. The diversity on and in the Nieplitz is also the basis of life for rare species such as the skilled otter and the colorful kingfisher.