Birnbaumteich, reservoir
Birnbaumteich is a small reservoir in Harzgerode surrounded by trees and rolling hills. The water covers about 4.5 hectares and is held back by a dam that spans 140 meters in length and reaches nearly 13 meters in height.
The reservoir was built in 1699 to store water for mining operations, powering the machinery and waterwheels in nearby mines. Between 1963 and 1967, the damaged dam underwent major repairs and was reinforced with concrete to ensure its structural integrity.
The name refers to a pear tree that once grew in this area. Today, the water serves as a gathering place where local families and visitors come to swim, camp, and spend time together in nature.
The reservoir can be reached by car via the country road connecting Harzgerode and Stolberg, where signs point the way to the site. An old hiking trail called the Bergbaurundwanderweg passes directly by the water and offers foot access to the area.
The dam underwent major refurbishment again in summer 2006 to improve its resistance to weather conditions and ensure long-term safety. The reservoir holds around 190,000 cubic meters of water, serving an important role in stabilizing water supply throughout dry seasons.
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