Schwedendamm, Historical dam structure in Wolfenbüttel, Germany
Schwedendamm is a dam structure along the Oker River in Wolfenbüttel that shows construction techniques from the 1600s. Parts of it remain visible today and document the engineering skill of that era.
The structure was built in 1627 during the Thirty Years' War as a fortification element for Wolfenbüttel. It was part of a strategy to defend the town through artificial flooding against military attacks.
The name refers to Swedish forces involved in the Thirty Years' War that affected this region. Visitors today can trace how this military conflict shaped the landscape and the choices made to defend the town.
The dam is accessible from outside and features information signs explaining its historical role in Wolfenbüttel's fortification system. The best way to explore it is along the riverbank, where the structure is most clearly visible.
When the dam was activated in 1627, the artificial flood submerged large parts of the town and forced residents to use boats for travel. This drastic event was one of the less known defensive tactics of the Thirty Years' War.
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