Talsperre Wendefurth

The Wendefurth Dam is located in the middle of the Harz National Park on the River Bode, surrounded by the towns of Elbingerode in the north-west, Thale in the north-east, Hasselfeld in the south-west and Blankenburg in the north-east. It was built between 1957 and 1963 and has a 43.5 metre high, 230 metre long and three metre wide dam wall, which dams up the rivers Bode and Rappbode in a 78 hectare reservoir. With its maximum capacity of around 8.5 million cubic metres, the dam serves two functions: Firstly, it feeds the Wendefurth pumped storage plant and is used to generate electricity. Secondly, the Wendefurth reservoir contributes to flood protection in the eastern Harz region.

Dam with impressive dimensions

The Wendefurth dam was built as a water management facility and for flood protection and is part of a system of Bodetal dams that are connected in series. With a construction volume of 115,000 square metres, the dam wall is an impressive feat of engineering, consisting of 16 concrete segments whose seals and functionality are constantly monitored with measuring instruments. There are two basic drains, each with a diameter of two metres and each closed and opened by 60-tonne ring piston valves. Each outlet can release 75 cubic metres of water per second. In 2009, the Wendefurth dam was extended to include a hydroelectric power station with a Kaplan turbine, which generates 733 kW of electricity. The Wendefurth pumped storage plant generates and stores additional electricity.

Tourism at the Wendefurth dam

The dam wall of the reservoir is accessible and offers a marvellous view. In addition to a tour, visitors can inspect disused assemblies in a machine park or view the concrete wall from the inside as part of a guided tour. The Wendefurth dam is also a popular destination for hikers, as there is a viewing point in the forest near the dam wall that offers an excellent view over the reservoir. The dam is also integrated into the system of stamping points for the Harz Hiking Needle, which should be familiar to die-hard hikers in the Harz region as well as many holidaymakers and tourists. A special highlight is the motorised raft with catering facilities, which offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dishes during a leisurely trip across the lake.

Water sports at the Wendefurth reservoir

As the Wendefurth reservoir is not used to supply drinking water, it can be used without hesitation for various leisure activities such as water sports. For example, water scooters, rowing boats and Viking boats are available for small groups of two to eight people. Parts of the lake are also open to anglers with the appropriate authorisation.