Bad Karlshafen harbor area

Following the renovation of the harbor wall and the reopening of the Weser lock, the central square in Bad Karlshafen in northern Hesse has already been given a new look. The surrounding open spaces have been renovated in their historical context and new opportunities have been created for people to linger and stroll, for restaurants and events. 41 roof-shaped linden trees were planted in a hydraulically bound surface layer, which completes the baroque character and provides shade for the squares. The surfaces are paved with regional Weser sandstone in a segmental arch and designed with large-format natural stone slabs along the harbor wall.



By reusing existing paving and slabs, a sustainable and cost-reducing option was found to restore the historic surroundings with high structural quality. The barrier-free paved areas are generously laid out to allow flexible use for various events and permanent outdoor catering.



The baroque planned city with its inner city harbor was given effect lighting to highlight important buildings and elements with a subtle shimmer of light. Together with the new street lighting, this creates a harmonious picture in the evening hours.



Since the end of 2018, a new lock in Bad Karlshafen has reconnected the harbor basin, which was closed for over 90 years, with the Weser. The historic harbor in the largely intact listed baroque complex can now be used and experienced again in its original function.



In order to make the adjoining outdoor facilities usable as well, the traffic facilities and parking areas were massively reduced. On both sides of the harbor basin, there are now large, contiguous squares with recreational areas, areas for restaurants and space for events. In addition, the paths and squares are now barrier-free. The existing roof-shaped lime trees were added symmetrically to the existing structure and structure the space.

Award Landscape architecture in detailGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2023

Jury verdict:
In 1699, the baroque planned town with the current name ‘Bad Karlshafen’ was founded, with the harbour basin at its heart. When the harbour was abandoned in the 20th century and the lock canal connected to the harbour basin fell into disrepair, the area around the harbour lost its function as the heart of the Baroque old town and from then on was mainly used as a car park.

The reactivation of the harbour basin began with the reconnection of the harbour to the Weser through the construction of the new lock and culminated in the redesign of the harbour area. The harbour square was reactivated as the heart of the baroque old town and its historical use as a marketplace and public meeting place was brought to the fore.

The redesign of the harbour area shows a sensitive approach to the historic site at all levels. The existing structures were taken up and carefully developed further. This was accompanied by the transformation from a monofunctional traffic area to a public space that has since served as a stage for public life, events and everyday encounters.

Particularly noteworthy here is the skilful craftsmanship and confident design of the implementation, from concept to detail. Not only is the precise use of materials, coordinated colour nuances, furniture, lighting and topography impressive, but also the use of local natural stone and the reuse of existing surfaces.