Nieplitz

Nieplitz
Nieplitz near Zauchwitz
Location
CountryGermany
StatesBrandenburg
Physical characteristics
Mouth 
 • location
Nuthe
 • coordinates
52°16′31″N 13°09′32″E / 52.2754°N 13.1588°E / 52.2754; 13.1588
Basin features
ProgressionNutheHavelElbeNorth Sea

Overview

Nieplitz is a river near Brandenburg, Germany. It flows into the Nuthe near Gröben.

Origin and History

The river was first mentioned in writing in the 13th century as Niplitz. The name may have been adopted by Slavic settlers as a Germanic river name (Old High German Nebul- meaning "fog, darkness") with the Slavic suffix -ica.[1]

Alternative etymologies derive the name entirely from Slavic, interpreting it roughly as "the non-navigable one"—in contrast to the Nuthe, which was up to 40 meters wide around 1880 and, before various regulations, was partially navigable.

Ecology

Habitat

The Nieplitz meanders through wetlands and floodplains that are part of the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park, a protected area established in 1999 covering 623 km². These habitats support diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the brook lamprey, which thrive in the river's oxygen-rich waters.

Birdlife

The Nieplitz lowlands are designated as a European bird protection area. Seasonal flooding creates ideal conditions for birds such as white storks, northern lapwings, black kites, cranes, and kingfishers.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Greule, Albrecht (2014-01-31). Deutsches Gewässernamenbuch: Etymologie der Gewässernamen und der zugehörigen Gebiets-, Siedlungs- und Flurnamen (in German). Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. ISBN 978-3-11-033859-1.
  2. ^ "Nieplitzwiesen | Birdingplaces". Birdingplaces.eu. Retrieved 2025-05-07.