| Großer Stechlinsee | |
|---|---|
| Location | Landkreis Oberhavel, Brandenburg |
| Primary outflows | Polzowkanal |
| Basin countries | Germany |
| Surface area | 4.52 km² |
| Max. depth | 69.5 m |
| Surface elevation | 60.0 m |
Großer Stechlinsee or Lake Stechlin is a lake in Landkreis Oberhavel, Brandenburg, Germany. At an elevation of 60 m, its surface area is 4.52 km². The Stechlin cisco, a dwarfed fish, is found only in this lake. Theodor Fontane's last novel, Der Stechlin, was set in its vicinity.
Stechlinsee has a maximun depth of 69.5 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in the State of Brandenburg. It is also one of the clearest with a visual depth of up to 11 meters (average 6 meters). The water is of drinking quality. It is home to The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries.[1]
The Stechlin district is still one of the most important oligotrophic landscapes of Central Europe and a LIFE project was undertaken for the restoration of clear water lakes, mires and swamp forests of the Lake Stechlin.[2]