Osterquelle (Geesthacht)
The Osterquelle in Geesthacht , Schleswig-Holstein lies between Geesthacht and the district Krümmel on the banks of the Elbe and rises at the foot of the Katzenberg (Geestrücken). A hiking trail along the banks of the Elbe leads directly past the source.
Geologically, it is seepage water that presses out of the Elbe slope here. The spring water originally flowed directly into the Elbe. Since the construction of the road and rail embankment, which has been separating the source from the Elbe for some time, the spring water has been collecting in a small body of water where it gradually seeps away.
For reasons of tourism, the spring outlet was enclosed with a wall in 1997. In 2008 the brine area of the spring was unsealed and a long walkway was built along the spring to make it easier to walk on.
Water quality
In earlier times the water of the spring was used for refreshment or for ritual purposes, today it is not recommended. Due to the repeated flooding of the Elbe meadows (the Elbe flows past the source in less than 100 meters) and the proximity of the Krümmel nuclear power plant, which has hit the headlines, contamination of the water cannot be ruled out.
regional customs
The scooping of Easter water on Easter morning was originally widespread in the Duchy of Lauenburg, but the name Osterquelle has only survived in Geesthacht. But Easter sources are also documented in other areas of Germany to this day.
Today's efforts to revive customs are countered with protests for reasons of environmental problems (e.g. the proximity to the Krümmel nuclear power plant).
Individual evidence
- ↑ Version and bridge at Geesthachter Osterquelle ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. www.geesthacht.de
- ↑ Baptisms with contaminated water - dissenting voices
