Helenesee remains closed until 2028: Danger from slipping!

Helenesee remains closed until 2028: Danger from slipping!

Helenesee, Deutschland - The Helenesee, a popular local recreation area in the landscape protection area "Oder-Spree-Lake Area", remains closed to bathers this summer. Official warnings of possible slides have led to this decision that affects the recreational seekers in the region. The lake, which is located about 8 km southwest of Frankfurt (Oder) and 4 km west of Brieskow Finkenherd, has a water surface of around 210 hectares and was a magnet for up to 50,000 bathers per year before the block rbb24.

The Heleneesee emerged from the rest of the hole of the former lignite pit "Helene", which was operated from 1943 to 1958. After the opening of the open -cast mining, which was discontinued in 1970 due to increatibility, embarrassment slopes and partial closures were recorded again and again. The slips on the east bank were particularly serious, which led to the complete blocking of the lake in May 2021 (https://lbgr.brandenburg.de/lbgr/de/aktuell/buergerinformations/helenesee/).

renovation plans and challenges

The renovation of the Heleneesis could begin at the earliest in 2028, which is worrying in view of the complex planning for an area of ​​220 hectares and the estimated costs of up to 60 million euros. The federal government and the state of Brandenburg plan to bear the costs of 50 % each. Frankfurt Mayor Claus Junghanns also saw the effects of the blocking for local entrepreneurs as a restriction RBB24.

The challenges are complex: Before the blocking, the slides required a thorough examination of the geotechnical conditions in the bank zone. These explorations that have been carried out since 2021 show the urgency of the work. The first results were already presented in 2024, and the need for additional detailed examinations was found. The comprehensive measures for renaturation are necessary to improve the water state and to eliminate the persistent geotechnical dangers LBGR.

renaturation strategies

The renaturation measures should not only serve to protect against slipping, but also restore the ecological state of the lake and its environment. These are particularly important in Germany because over 90 % of the rivers and streams are straightened or piped. Projects such as in the Helenesee could help to regain lost structures and to increase the attractiveness of the water Federal Environmental Office.

The planning of measures is carefully monitored by the authorities and aims to attribute the water to a natural state, which can bring both ecological and business advantages for the region. In the long term, a partial opening of the lake could be possible in the coming years, provided that progress in planning and work allows this.

The blocking of the Heleneesis and the necessary renovation work are the result of years of geological changes and the challenges associated with the use of former mining areas. The situation remains tense for residents and local companies, while the authorities are working on a solution.