Apenteichquelle, Natural spring in Winzenburg, Germany

The Apenteichquelle is a natural spring at the foot of Winzenburg and Tiebenburg castles that feeds into the Apenteiche ponds. The water flows through Winzenburger stream onward to the Leine river, forming part of a local water system that shapes the landscape.

The spring area was a prehistoric spring sanctuary where offerings about 5,000 years old were found. Earthworks in 1950 brought up a bronze needle, and further work was supervised by the responsible district archaeology unit. The finds include a large flint axe, a stone axe, remains of three bronze rings and a fibula, a garment clasp.

The spring's water also supplies part of the drinking water for the municipality of Freden. The ponds it feeds were laid out in 1220 as fish ponds and drain via the Winzenburger Bach into the Leine. Excavations at the spring area in 1950 brought up a bronze needle, followed by a large flint axe, a stone axe, remains of three bronze rings and a fibula.

The spring lies at the foot of Winzenburg and Tiebenburg, immediately beside the first Apenteich pond of about 2 hectares. The ponds drain via the Winzenburger Bach into the Leine. Part of the spring water supplies the municipality of Freden, so the source area is a working water site rather than a landscaped park.

The spring has fed the Apenteiche ponds for hundreds of years, which were created in the 13th century and still function today. This centuries-old water system shows how the spring has served the region through generations.