Top 11 Lakes around Dam Schmalwasser

The Talsperre Schmalwasser is a significant man-made reservoir located in the Thuringian Forest near Tambach-Dietharz, Germany. It primarily serves for flood protection and energy generation. It's notable as Germany's tallest rock-fill embankment, rising 76 meters above the valley floor, making it an engineering marvel. You can explore the dam itself, also known as the Tambacher Meer, which offers a relatively long circular route with views and resting places. Find more details about the dam at Schmalwasser Dam.

While the Talsperre Schmalwasser is the primary feature, the broader region includes other interesting bodies of water. The Schönbrunn Reservoir is popular, with the Salweidewand Shelter offering a great vantage point. There's also the Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow, which features an approximately 6 km family-friendly trail. Another unique spot is the Ebertswiese Mountain Lake, a charming natural lake formed in a former quarry.

Yes, the area is very popular for hiking. Several paths run around the reservoirs, with one popular route being an 18 km loop from Tambach-Dietharz around the Talsperre Schmalwasser. The Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow also offers a family-friendly trail. For more options, you can explore various easy hikes in the region, such as the Marderbach Gorge or routes around Eisbrunnen Spring. Find more hiking routes in the area on the Easy hikes around Dam Schmalwasser guide.

The lakes are nestled within the Thuringian Forest, offering picturesque views of wooded hillsides and tranquil waters. Key viewpoints include the View of the Schmalwasser Dam, which provides scenic vistas of the main reservoir, and the Salweidewand Shelter, offering a good vantage point of the Schönbrunn Reservoir. You might also encounter natural attractions like the Wolf's Tooth Rock near the Schmalwasser Dam.

Absolutely. Many areas around the lakes are considered family-friendly. The Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow, for example, has an approximately 6 km trail ideal for families. Highlights like the Schmalwasser Dam and the View of the Schmalwasser Dam are also marked as family-friendly, offering places to sit and relax. The Reservoir Trail at Lütsche Dam is another great option for families.

Yes, the region offers various cycling and mountain biking opportunities. There are routes around the Schmalwasser Dam itself, as well as more challenging trails that explore the wider Thuringian Forest. For mountain biking, you can find routes around the Ohra Dam or even longer, more difficult trails towards the Highest Point of the Rennsteig. Check out the MTB Trails around Dam Schmalwasser guide and the Cycling around Dam Schmalwasser guide for detailed routes.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and impressive views. Many enjoy the relatively long circular routes around the dams, appreciating the numerous resting places and scenic vistas. The engineering marvel of the Schmalwasser Dam itself is also a point of interest. The area is well-loved by the komoot community, with nearly 1000 upvotes and over 900 photos shared, highlighting its natural beauty and recreational value.

While the Talsperre Schmalwasser was originally built for drinking water supply and now serves for flood protection and energy generation, specific regulations regarding swimming can vary. The Ebertswiese Mountain Lake, for instance, is known for its cool water, typically not exceeding 20°C, but it's always best to check local signage or official sources for current swimming permissions at any specific lake or reservoir.

The Talsperre Schmalwasser itself has historical significance. Planning for the dam began in the final years of East Germany to secure regional water supply, with construction continuing after reunification and operations commencing in the 1990s. It stands as a testament to water infrastructure development in the region. The dam is also known as the Tambacher Meer, a local historical name.

The area offers charm throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking amidst changing foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying the open air and water, though the Ebertswiese Mountain Lake remains cool. Even in winter, the snow-covered landscape can be picturesque for winter hiking, but sturdy footwear is always advisable due to varied terrain.

The Talsperre Schmalwasser is located near Tambach-Dietharz, which offers amenities. While the immediate vicinity of the dams focuses on natural recreation, you can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in nearby towns and villages within the Thuringian Forest region. It's advisable to plan ahead, especially for specific services.

Many hiking paths in the Thuringian Forest, including those around the reservoirs, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature protection areas or where wildlife is present, and to observe any specific local regulations or signage regarding pets on trails or near water bodies.