Innerstetalsperre

The Innerstetal dam is located on the country road between Langelsheim and Lautenthal to the west of Wolfshagen in the Innerstetal valley. What makes it special: Instead of a dam wall, this is the longest dam in the Harz Mountains, which is sealed with aphalt concrete. The dam serves both as flood protection and as a source of drinking water, which is why considerable quantities of water are pumped from here to the waterworks of the neighbouring Granetal dam. However, the Innerste Reservoir also plays a not insignificant role in tourism, as it has become a popular destination for excursions. You can relax here or get active. The Innerstetalsperre has something for everyone.

History and facts about the Innerste Reservoir in the Harz Mountains

Construction began in 1963, followed three years later (1966) by the completion of the longest dam in the Harz Mountains at 750 metres. Exactly 40 years later, a general renovation was due, for which the water had to be completely drained in order to lower special machines onto the dam and apply new asphalt. The 35 metre high dam itself has a volume of 850,000 cubic metres and holds up to 19.26 million cubic metres of water. Behind the remarkable dam with its asphalt concrete seal is a three kilometre long artificial lake, which covers an area of 139 hectares when fully dammed. This puts the leader in terms of dam length in terms of water surface area only around the middle of the Harz waters.

The striking spillway tower, which is unique in the Harz, immediately catches the eye and prevents the Innerstetal dam from overflowing its banks. During the construction of the dam, the Langelsheim/Altenau railway line was relocated. Instead of the former route through the Innerstetal valley, the train now runs along the eastern bank of the dam. A railway station also had to make way for the new route.

Leisure activities and local recreation

Although drinking water production plays a major role, the dam is not closed to visitors. On the contrary, it offers numerous leisure activities such as swimming, sailing, fishing, windsurfing and even rowing boat trips. The shallow shore zones are the ideal bathing water for families, where children can also splash around without any problems. However, motorboats are not permitted on the dam so as not to disturb the tranquillity and idyll. As an early riser, you will come across many an angler at the Innerstetalsperre who is on the hunt for the perch, brown trout and tench that live there.

If you like, you can also relax dry-shod at the campsite on the eastern bank of the dam. If you have your hiking boots with you, you can enjoy the best views of the water along the circular hiking trail, as the Innerstetal dam can be hiked completely around over a length of seven kilometres. Of course, the route along the old railway line is also suitable for cyclists. A popular rest stop in the middle of the idyllic landscape is the Berghof am See, for example, where you can fortify yourself in the restaurant or even stay overnight to use the Innerstetalsperre as a starting point for a relaxing and eventful Harz holiday.