Thurnberger Stausee, barrier lake in Austria
The Thurnberger Stausee is a reservoir in Lower Austria that stretches like a long, narrow waterway through the Waldviertel region, surrounded by trees, rocks, and reeds. The lake has a calm surface formed by a dam about 26 meters high that holds roughly two million cubic meters of water.
The reservoir was built between 1949 and 1952 primarily to provide reliable electricity and control river flow downstream. This infrastructure proved important for the local economy by making energy cheaper and more dependable for households and industries in the region.
The Thurnberger Stausee holds a place in local life as a spot for leisure and outdoor enjoyment where both residents and visitors spend time relaxing and fishing. People here share stories of days spent in the sun, casting lines into the water, or paddling boats, making the lake a meaningful part of how they connect with nature.
The lake is easy to reach without a car, with public transport stops within walking distance and paths running around the shore for easy exploration. Boat rentals are located at a campsite in Krumau and operate from April through October, while seating areas, swimming spots, and shaded rest places are scattered throughout the water's edge.
Water flows through a mountain tunnel roughly 750 meters long to reach the reservoir, reducing the water volume needed while powering turbines in a small power plant that generates electricity on site. This allows the lake to serve both recreation and energy production, especially when power demand peaks during winter months.
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