Rappbodetalsperre

The Rappbode Dam in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt near Oberharz am Brocken not only combines a hydroelectric power station, a reservoir and a dam. The dam wall, which is 106 metres high, is the highest of its kind in Germany. The reservoir that forms from the plant is also the largest reservoir that the Harz Mountains have to offer.

While the facility and its surroundings are worth a visit in themselves, the Harzdrenalin leisure park has developed into a popular excursion destination in recent years, inviting visitors to enjoy very special activities around the dam.

The history of the Rappbode Dam

As early as the late 19th century, there were plans to build a dam at this location. The main purpose of the dam was to provide flood protection for the villages in the eastern Harz region, which at that time were repeatedly hit by flooding. Initial construction work finally began during the Second World War, but was quickly stopped again for war reasons.

Between 1952 and 1959, the GDR finally built the structure in its current form. With a height of 106 metres and a length of up to 415 metres, the dam wall is an impressive sight even from afar. Today, it is not only used to protect the many small villages from flooding. The hydroelectric power station makes a significant contribution to the power supply in this part of the Harz. The reservoir is also an important part of the drinking water supply for 1.5 million people in this part of Germany.

The dam was extensively renovated at the turn of the millennium. The main focus was on the concrete on the dam's crown road and the foundations. Immediately after the renovation, private companies, investors and the state also began to develop the infrastructure around the dam. For example, the small Harzdrenalin leisure park was created, as well as the network of hiking trails leading to other parts of the Harz Mountains.

Harzdrenalin - action around the longest suspension bridge in Germany

The area around the Rappbodetalsperre dam in the Harz Mountains was obviously the perfect place for the two brothers Maik and Stefan Berke to bring a little adventure to the Harz. The region around Oberharz am Brocken is actually better known for quiet hikes - but there is hardly anything quiet about what is on offer at Harzdrenalin. The centrepiece of the small leisure park, which is open all year round, is a 458-metre-long pedestrian suspension bridge called Titan RT. From here, visitors get a breathtaking view of the dam and the valley itself and can cross the distance between the two ends of the dam on their own.

So if you're looking for adventure or that adrenaline rush, there's plenty to choose from among the various facilities that have been built in recent years. The Solitair observation tower is particularly popular. At a height of 39 metres on the dam, you can enjoy an even better view deep into the eastern Harz from here. If you are looking for adventure, you can also walk along the walls of the tower from top to bottom - or save yourself the 150 steps and let yourself be catapulted to the top in the centre of the observation tower. The programme, which can be viewed here either as a combined ticket or booked individually for each attraction, includes the following attractions, for example, which give visitors an adrenaline rush:

Solitair - observation tower on the edge of the dam

The 39-metre-high lattice construction above the Rappbode Dam was completed in 2022 and offers a view as far as the Harz foreland. Visitors can either climb the tower on foot via a total of 160 steps or comfortably use the panoramic glass lift. Once at the top, two glass bows provide a marvellous view of the Titan RT suspension bridge and the Rappbode valley.

Wallrunning - vertically down the observation tower

At the aforementioned Solitair observation tower, you have the opportunity to run down the wall in safety. Secured with a harness, you can look down towards the ground and experience an unforgettable adrenaline rush. To keep this special experience at the Rappbode Dam in your memory forever, you can record the descent with a helmet camera from your own perspective or have yourself filmed.

Gigaswing - pendulum jump from the suspension bridge

The Gigaswing has also been part of the Harzdrenalin programme since May 2017. The most spectacular pendulum jump in Europe awaits you under the suspension bridge. At a height of 100 metres, you plunge into the depths, secured by a rope, and then swing out. As your body is subjected to great forces, you need to be in good physical condition to jump.

Megazipline - the largest zip wire in Europe

Europe's largest double zipline awaits you at the Megazipline, which sends you hurtling headfirst along a 1000 metre steel cable to the other side of the river. Of course, you can also record this breathtaking flying experience with a helmet camera. A truly superlative experience at a height of around 120 metres and a speed of around 85 km/h. The zip wire can also be used by two people at the same time. Whether alone or in pairs - advance booking is necessary in any case.

Ultrashot - the human catapult

Inside the "Solitair" observation tower is an equally high catapult, which catapults you 38 metres into the air at a speed of 15 metres per second. Once at the top, you will experience weightlessness for around 3 seconds in free fall, which is then slowed down shortly afterwards. If you dare, you will be hooked into the device using special equipment and can choose to film the unique experience with an action camera.

5D cinema - immersive experience for the family

The 5D cinema between the Titan RT suspension bridge and the Solitair observation tower is particularly suitable for families with children. Here, the crazy Professor Fallwasser takes you on an exciting expedition. Shrunk to the size of a drop of water, he takes you on a discovery tour around the Rappbode Dam.

Unspoilt nature around the Rappbode Dam in the Harz Mountains

Not everyone is looking for action and adventure, so it's just as well that the Rappbode Reservoir also offers beautiful and tranquil nature around the lake. Officially, there is no hiking trail that leads around the lake. However, there is actually a network of hiking trails in the immediate vicinity that allow you to explore the landscape around the Rappbode Reservoir in the Harz Mountains.

It is not just the Rappbode Reservoir itself that is responsible for flood protection, energy production and the supply of drinking water in the immediate vicinity. There are dams of various sizes in the neighbourhood. This has ensured that a small lake landscape has been created in this area of the Oberharz, which stretches over several kilometres. There are also campsites a short distance away, giving you the opportunity to experience this special piece of nature in a different way.

Hikes to and from the Rappbode dam

The area around the Rappbode Dam is already a good vantage point for hikes in the Harz Mountains. The entire landscape is surrounded by hills and vantage points that emphasise the diversity of nature in this region. The nature reserve is characterised by small hiking trails along the water or in the woods. It is not only fish of all kinds that can be discovered in the lakes and ponds. There is a wide variety of birds, especially during the breeding season, making the area a favourite with birdwatchers.

To the north-east of the lakeshore, there are already hiking trails that are part of the Harz Witches' Trail and therefore lead to various parts of the Harz. If you are planning an all-day hike, you can start from various places in the Harz and end up at the Rappbode Dam. The entire area is well connected with the various hiking trails and therefore offers the opportunity to plan an excursion to the dam and then set off on a hike. First of all, however, you should take the time to explore this very special place and discover the various special features that have been created by the dam here in the Harz Mountains.