Historical and Cultural Significance of the Region Around Schönfließ and Kindelfliess Palace Park
1. Schönfließ Palace Park: Traces of Aristocratic Land Use
Today's Schönfließ Palace Park was originally part of the estate of the von Veltheim family, who had the palace built in the 19th century. Although the main building was largely destroyed after World War II, the preserved south wing (now used as a kindergarten) and remnants of the park are still open to the public. The park was originally designed in the style of an English landscape garden – with winding paths, visual axes, and harmonious integration into the natural surroundings.
The location of the palace and its park was deliberately chosen: It is elevated above the damp lowlands of the Kindelfliess River. The proximity to swampy depressions, alder groves, and wet meadows influenced the development of paths, settlements, and legends in the region for centuries.
2. The Kindelfliess and its Mystical Aura
The Kindelfliess, which gave its name to the neighboring Kindelsee-Springluch nature reserve, is not only a geologically and ecologically interesting stream, but is also culturally deeply interwoven with the landscape. The stream originates in moorland and spring areas north of Schönfließ and winds southward through a long valley, past Glienicke/Nordbahn and Schildow, before flowing into the Tegeler Fließ.
In old tales, the area between Schönfließ, Glienicke, and Schildow was feared for its impassability, darkness, and boggy nature – a classic breeding ground for myths.
3. The Legend of the Child in the Moor
A traditional legend tells of a tragic event during the so-called French Period (presumably referring to the period of the French occupation of Prussia around 1806–1813). A child is said to have been lost and died in the swampy forests between Schönfließ and Schildow. According to legend, the child was either the victim of violence or sank in the moor. The name "Kindel" (a diminutive of "child") is said to have originated from this story and has become established as a place name – particularly for the stream and the surrounding wetlands.
Sources & References
Wikipedia: Schönfließ (Mühlenbecker Land)
NABU Oranienburg on the Kindelsee–Springluch region
Local tradition / oral history (e.g., from school chronicles, community chronicles)