Aabachtalsperre, Drinking water reservoir in the Paderborn district, Germany

The Aabachtalsperre is a drinking water reservoir near Paderborn, in the Aabach river valley. It sits within a wooded landscape and is encircled by a paved path of around 9 kilometers.

In 1973 the Arnsberg, Büren and Lippstadt districts founded the Wasserverband Aabach-Talsperre to balance drought shortages and flood damage. Concrete work on the control gallery began in mid-1975, the dam embankment followed from 1977, and the reservoir has held back the Aabach since 1979. Its limestone support body was quarried largely within the reservoir area.

The name Aabachtalsperre comes from the Aabach river that feeds it. On weekends, the path around the water fills with walkers and cyclists looking for a simple day out away from the city.

Swimming and bringing dogs into the water are not allowed, as the water is used for drinking supply. The path around the reservoir is paved and easy to follow, making it accessible for walkers, cyclists, and families with strollers.

When water levels drop, the ruins of the flooded settlements rise above the surface and become visible from the path. Visitors walking the circuit during dry periods may spot old walls and foundations that are otherwise hidden beneath the water.