Best attractions and places to see around Großer Kranichsee include a significant high moor in the Ore Mountains, recognized for its unique natural features. This area serves as a crucial watershed and krummholz bog, playing a role in regional water balance. Established as one of Saxony's oldest protected nature reserves in 1912, it is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The region offers opportunities to explore its natural heritage and historical accessibility paths.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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☆ The construction time is remarkable... 👍
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The dam wall of the Carlsfeld dam is a listed building. The curved gravity dam wall made of rubble stone is 195 meters long and up to 20 meters wide at the base. Its height above the foundation base is almost 32 meters. The dam axis has a radius of 160 meters. Source: https://www.wasserwirtschaft.sachsen.de/TS_Carlsfeld.html?_cp=%7B%22accordion-content-13266%22%3A%7B%222%22%3Atrue%2C%223%22%3Atrue%7D%2C%22previousOpen%22%3A%7B%22group%22%3A%22accordion-content-13266%22%2C%22idx%22%3A3%7D%7D
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The Carlsfeld Dam is located on the ridge of the Ore Mountains at a height of around 905 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest drinking water dam in Germany. Its catchment area extends into the Vogtland and the Czech Republic. The Carlsfeld Dam is sometimes also called the "Wilzsch Dam" or "Weiterwiese Dam". The first name refers to the Wilzsch River, whose water it dams. Weiterswiese was the name of a small forest settlement that had to make way for the dam to be built.
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A path leads over the dam wall with a view over the dam.
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A hiking trail leads from the Carlsfeld dam to the Großer Kranichsee.
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Rest area on the way to the Carlsfeld dam or to the Großer Kranichsee.
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Is nice on the Kammweg not far to the Schneehübel, the highest mountain in the Vogtland with a summit cross...😎
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The region is dominated by the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve, a significant high moor at approximately 950 meters elevation. It's a crucial watershed and krummholz bog, home to specialized flora like mountain pine, hare's-tail cotton-grass, and bog bilberry, as well as rare fauna such as the European viper and various owl species. You can also visit the Schwarzer Teich Moor, another high moor known for its vibrant coloring in late summer and autumn.
Yes, the area features the historic Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir), a curved gravity dam constructed between 1926 and 1929, which is the highest-lying drinking water dam in Saxony. It includes an open-air exhibition detailing its history. Additionally, an early 1900s Historic Corduroy Road (Knüppeldamm) was laid into the bog by the Ore Mountain Club, offering a unique historical path to experience the moor landscape.
The area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, easy hikes, and cycling. For detailed routes and guides, explore options like MTB Trails around Großer Kranichsee, Easy hikes around Großer Kranichsee, and Cycling around Großer Kranichsee.
Absolutely! Many attractions and trails are suitable for families. The Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir) and its surrounding area are considered family-friendly, as is the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve on the Kammweg. The Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is particularly pleasant and manageable for families.
The region offers excellent hiking opportunities. The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve is part of the award-winning Kammweg long-distance hiking trail. You can also enjoy the Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail, which is a very pleasant circular route. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Großer Kranichsee guide.
The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve is particularly beautiful in summer, offering a variety of flowers and insects. Late summer and autumn are fantastic for experiencing the vibrant coloring of the Schwarzer Teich Moor. In winter, the area around the Carlsfeld Reservoir is known as one of the most snow-sure areas in the Ore Mountains, with well-groomed trails for winter activities.
For stunning views, visit the Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir), where the dam crown is accessible. Another peaceful spot is the View of Weitersglashütte Reservoir, which offers a beautiful vantage point with benches to relax and linger.
The high moor ecosystem supports a variety of unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare species such as the European viper (Vipera berus), sand lizard (Lacerta vivipara), and various bird species like the Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum). The moor also hosts specialized insect life, including the Arctic mosaic dragonfly and the Arctic emerald dragonfly.
Yes, the Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is a highly recommended circular route that is both pleasant and manageable. Many other trails in the region, including sections of the Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland and the Drei-Talsperren-Wanderweg, also offer opportunities for circular walks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve on the Kammweg is praised for being a wonderful area to relax and enjoy nature. The Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is often described as a 'beautiful piece of earth' and a very pleasant experience.
The nature reserve is generally accessible via hiking trails, including sections of the Kammweg. The historic Corduroy Road (Knüppeldamm) also provides a unique way to experience the moor landscape. While specific accessibility for wheelchairs might be limited due to the natural terrain of a high moor, many trails are suitable for general walking and hiking.
The area around Großer Kranichsee is popular for outdoor activities, and many trails are dog-friendly. However, as it is a nature reserve, it's important to keep dogs on a leash to protect the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife. Always check local signage for specific regulations within protected areas.


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