Saalachkraftwerk Bad Reichenhall, Run-of-river power station in Bad Reichenhall, Germany.
Saalachkraftwerk is a hydroelectric facility on the Saalach River in Bad Reichenhall that uses five Francis turbines to generate power for the surrounding area. The station features a dam system that raises the water level, creating the conditions needed for efficient electricity production.
Built from 1910 to 1913, the station was created to supply electricity to the newly electrified railway connecting Freilassing, Bad Reichenhall, and Berchtesgaden. It became one of the early examples of hydropower use in Bavaria for both railway and local utility purposes.
The power station stands as a visible reminder of how industrial facilities shaped the region's development and connected the town's growth to modern energy. Walking along the river, you can observe how locals regard it as part of their industrial heritage and local identity.
The facility is located directly on the Saalach River and can be viewed from the walking paths alongside the water. It is best visited earlier in the day when natural light best illuminates the structure and its surroundings.
The dam raises the Saalach River by approximately 10 meters, representing a remarkable engineering feat for its time. This water level difference is what makes the power generation system work efficiently and remains visible to visitors today.
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