Aixola Reservoir, stuwmeer in Eibar, Spanje
Aixola Reservoir is a water storage area near Eibar in the Basque Country, surrounded by green hills and pine forests. The structure consists of a dam about 50 meters (164 feet) high and nearly 200 meters (656 feet) long that holds over 375,000 cubic meters of water fed by mountain streams.
The dam was designed by Francisco Urquía and completed at the end of 1981 after nearly two years of construction to solve drinking water shortages in Eibar. The project began in 1978 and resulted in the flooding of several old farms and mills that had been used for generations in the valley.
The reservoir is a place where local people spend afternoons and evenings, walking with family or sitting quietly to enjoy the view. It serves as a simple retreat from everyday life, offering residents a chance to observe the water, sky, and changing seasons close by.
A well-marked path of about 4 kilometers circles the reservoir and is accessible for all ages, with sections of asphalt, cement, and gravel surfaces. The flat route works well for walkers, cyclists, and people with strollers, though sturdier models handle uneven sections more comfortably.
Beneath the water surface lie the remains of old farms and mills that once stood in the valley before the dam's construction flooded the land. These hidden ruins serve as a reminder of the families and livelihoods that were displaced to create this water supply.
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