Granetalsperre

The Granetalsperre is located in the district of Goslar in the federal state of Lower Saxony and is part of the Harz National Park. Its reservoir can hold up to 46.4 million cubic metres of water over an area of 29 hectares. The main tributary of the Granetalsperre is the River Grane, which, however, does not carry enough water for the drinking water supply, which is why the Oker-Grane tunnel was excavated so that it can also take in water from the Gose on the way.

The reservoir, which is operated by the Harz waterworks, was built between 1966 and 1969 and is therefore the youngest reservoir in the Harz. Its functions are diverse. The reservoir is responsible for drinking water supply, power generation and flood protection. The water is considered to be a protected salmonid water whose fish species include rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and perch. However, anglers must obtain a special licence, as the area around the dam is designated as a water protection area. This means that water sports and swimming are unfortunately not permitted.

On a discovery tour around the Granetalsperre dam in the Harz Mountains

The Granetalsperre is the starting point and destination of various hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. However, most of the tours are based on an easy to moderately difficult route that usually starts at the car park. If you want to get a complete impression of the dam, then the circular hiking trail is the perfect option for you. If you are travelling on foot and are in good physical condition, you should allow around 4.5 hours to complete this trail. The path is tarmac and easy to walk on.

If you have a little less patience for the circuit, you can of course also cycle around the Granetalsperre. The waypoints on this route include the waterworks and the refuge. Hikers come a little closer to the Harz Hiking Needle 's destination here, as there is the option of acquiring a stamp at stamp point number 110 at the Granestausee reservoir, Königsberg, in the direction of Goslar.

Above the reservoir rises the 472 metre high Steinberg, on the top of which the Steinberg tower was built in 1888. A hiking trail leads from the car park at the dam wall directly to the Steinberg. This hike is classed as moderately difficult and covers a distance of around seven kilometres. However, you will need to be in very good physical condition if you want to set off on the hike to the Altar Cliffs. Here you start at the Harzer Stuben car park. However, the effort is worth it, as you will be rewarded with a unique view of the lake once you reach the Altar Cliffs.

Tip: The Harzwasserwerke waterworks are located at the car park of the dam wall. If you have some time left before or after your hike, it's worth visiting the exhibition there. Here you can learn interesting facts about water and drinking water production.