The Bächle of Freiburg: The Mediaeval Gutters That Became Recreational Hotspots

The German city of Freiburg in the edge of Black Forest has a curious attraction—little streams of clear water flowing through the city in open channels sunken into the pavement. During a hot day, of which there are plenty in Freiburg, one can see people relaxing besides these streams with their feet dipped into the cold water. Children love to splash around in the shallow waters, they jump, run and float paper boats and have merry. And if an outsider accidentally falls into one, the local wisdom goes, they are destined to marry a Freiburger. The city’s unusual gutter system, locally known as Bächle, was once used to bring water from the Dreisam river down to the city to feed livestock and fight fires. The Bächle was first documented in the year 1220, but archeological excavation suggests that they existed at least a hundred years earlier right back to the time when Freiburg was founded. Bächle in the city of Freiburg . Photo credit: Uellue/Shutterstock.com The construction of artificial water courses seemed natural since the early city was conveniently built on a slope. But as the city expanded and it became difficult for water to reach the newer parts of the city, the old city was raised by up to three meters so that the entire system of Bächle could be elevated. The water carried by the Bächle was not meant for drinking but only for feeding livestock and irrigating fields after it had passed through the city. They also functioned as rainwater gutter carrying all the dirt from the streets. One of the most unflattering description of the Bächle came from the scholar, Erasmus of Rotterdam, in the 16th century. In a letter to the Dutch politician, Gaspar Schetz, Erasmus wrote: Here there is great uncleanliness. Through all the streets running an artificially-run brook. This refers to the bloody juices butchers and butchers, the stench of all cuisines, the dirt of all houses, the vomit and urine all, even the feces of those home no latrines have.