Nieplitz

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 with the Slavic suffix -ica.
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.