Ordunte reservoir, Stausee in Spanien
The Ordunte reservoir is a water body in a valley of Burgos province, held back by a concrete dam about 50 meters high and 376 meters long. The surface covers roughly 139 hectares and is surrounded by forested hills where oak, pine, and other native trees grow.
The reservoir was built in 1933 by damming the Ordunte and Cerneja rivers to manage water flow and control flooding. This engineering project was a major development for the region, intended to secure water supply for surrounding towns and settlements.
The reservoir serves as a water resource and outdoor gathering place for nearby communities. Locals and visitors use the walking paths along the water to relax and connect with the natural surroundings.
A simple walking route circles the entire reservoir and takes about two and a half hours, with easy flat paths suitable for most visitors. Cars park near the dam, and the route can be shortened by skipping certain sections or adjusted based on energy and water levels, with picnic tables available for rest.
When water levels drop in late summer, old ruins and relics of past structures become visible, revealing traces of former communities. A small church called San Bartolome de los Montes, moved to its current location when the reservoir was created, stands as a reminder of the landscape that existed before the dam.
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