Dießbachstausee, reservoir in Austria
Dießbachstausee is a reservoir in the Austrian Alps created by a 36-meter-high dam that stores nearly 5 million cubic meters of water. The water flows through one of Europe's steepest pipes down to a power station that generates electricity for the region.
Built in 1961, the reservoir flooded the old Dießbachalm, a mountain pasture first recorded in the late 1300s that served as grazing land and a cheese dairy. This construction transformed the landscape and converted a pastoral area into a vital energy production system.
The reservoir sits in a region with deep roots in alpine farming traditions. The surrounding mountain pastures like Kallbrunnalm have shaped life here for centuries and show how communities have worked with these mountains.
The lake is accessible from Weißbach bei Lofer via well-marked hiking paths suitable for most visitors. On warm days, swimming areas are available, and mountain huts nearby serve drinks and simple meals.
The pipe carrying water from the lake to the power station is one of Europe's steepest and spirals dramatically down the mountainside. Visitors often notice these striking pipes on the cliff faces, showing how the falling water is harnessed to generate power.
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