Lake Wohlen, reservoir in the canton of Bern, Switzerland
Lake Wohlen is a reservoir in the Bern-Mittelland district of Switzerland, formed by damming the Aare River. Its shores alternate between wooded banks and open farmland, giving it a varied and natural-looking edge.
The dam that created Lake Wohlen was built in the early 20th century to generate hydroelectric power from the Aare River. It was one of several projects built across Switzerland during a period when rivers were widely used to produce electricity.
The lake sits close to Bern and draws locals who come to walk along its shores or simply spend time near the water. On weekends, the paths around it see a steady flow of cyclists and families from the surrounding villages.
Several walking and cycling paths run along or near the shores, making the lake easy to reach on foot or by bike from nearby villages. The paths can be muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are a good idea if the ground is wet.
Although Lake Wohlen is a man-made body of water, its shores have become a habitat for a wide range of water birds that can be spotted from the banks. In spring, the variety of bird species along the water's edge is notably high for a reservoir of this type.
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