Abelitz (river)

The Abelitz (-litz = Leide = channel) is a river of Lower Saxony, Germany, in East Frisia. It is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) long and flows from Marienhafe to its mouth on the Alte Greetsieler Sieltief. This type of river that drains the low-lying polders through a sluice in the sea dyke is also known locally as a Tief and is often the course of an old creek between mudflats.[1]

Abelitz
Abelitz in Upgant-Schott (foreground) and Südbrookmerland (background, left)
Mouth
Location
Country	Germany
Location	Lower Saxony
Physical characteristics
Mouth	Altes Greetsieler Sieltief
• coordinates	53°27′45″N 7°13′43″E
Length	ca. 20 km (12 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Altes Greetsieler Sieltief→ Ems→ North Sea

The Abelitz passes through Südbrookmerland, where it flows past the village of the same name, Abelitz (a district of Südbrookmerland), and the Krummhörn. It is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) long, up to 12 metres (39 ft) wide, up to 1.50 metres (4.9 ft) deep and navigable by boats with a draught of 1.20 metres (3.9 ft) and maximum speed of 5 kilometres per hour (3.1 mph). The banks of the Abelitz are often near-natural and covered in reed beds. There are several parallel channels (Nebenläufe) that enclose small islands or run through wetlands. The river is very rich in fish and is well known as an angling area.

The bird life on and near the Abelitz is very diverse. During the breeding season riverside walkers and anglers are expected to conduct themselves considerately.

The Abelitz is linked to Moordorf by the Abelitz-Moordorf Canal.