Talsperre Kelbra

The Kelbra reservoir - often referred to as the Kelbra dam - is an important reservoir in the Goldene Aue to the west of Kelbra, which protects the Helme-Unstrut valley from sudden flooding. Parts of the reservoir are located in Saxony-Anhalt, with the state border with Thuringia running through the entire body of water. The reservoir was built at the foot of the Kyffhäuser mountains and covers an area of around 600 hectares. While the almost seven kilometre long dam itself is already an impressive sight in the region, the area around the reservoir has developed into a popular local recreation area in recent years - not only for people, but especially for birds, which have important breeding grounds here.

The creation of the Kelbra reservoir

The dam was built between 1962 and 1966 to protect the region from the dreaded spring floods. Over the years, the facility was expanded so that today, with the four-kilometre-long main dam and the three-kilometre-long secondary dam, two impressive structures serve to protect against flooding. With a capacity of almost 12.3 million cubic metres, the reservoir is also the largest lake in the immediate region. The average depth of 3.50 metres and the low point of 5.50 metres give an idea of the considerable masses of water that can be accommodated here.

The Kelbra reservoir has become a popular excursion and holiday destination in the region, especially in spring and summer. There is a small lido for swimming in the water in summer and water sports are also becoming increasingly popular here. A large campsite on the southern shore of the reservoir and various leisure facilities make the dam a popular retreat for visitors from both federal states. The campsite offers around 300 pitches and is particularly popular in the summer months. In addition to the typical facilities, the lido can also be found here, which is the starting point for most activities.

Beautiful nature and birdwatching around the Kelbra reservoir

The reservoir and its surroundings are not only an attractive destination for day trippers and holidaymakers, but also for hikers who want to experience the impressive Harz nature up close. Due to its status as a special retreat for birds, a particularly large number of nesting areas can be discovered here, with the number of cranes standing out in particular. Some of the largest nesting areas are located here, which is why the up to 50,000 birds create a particularly loud spectacle on the lake, attracting many holidaymakers year after year.

Unfortunately, there is no direct circular hiking trail close to the shore. If you still want to experience the impressive nature around the Kelbra dam, you can follow the path along the top of the dam and, with a bit of luck, catch a glimpse of the many birds that have chosen the lake as their home.