Antrifttalsperre, reservoir in Germany

The Antrifttalsperre is a flood retention basin on the Antrift river northwest of Alsfeld, with a 550-metre earth-fill dam whose crest stands about 18 metres above the valley floor. The reservoir covers 31 hectares and holds up to 3.16 million cubic metres of water. A pre-basin at the southern end traps debris, and a tulip-shaped overflow funnel with a 15-metre diameter sits mid-dam.

The Antrifttalsperre was constructed between 1971 and 1984 to manage water levels of the Schwalm river. The surrounding region has centuries of history including a monastery estate established by the German Order in 1263 and a Jewish cemetery near Angenrod with graves dating back to 1842.

The Antrifttalsperre is a reservoir known locally for its fishing traditions and community of anglers who regularly gather to share tips and catch reports. The lake serves as a simple meeting place where people connect over their outdoor activities and appreciation for nature.

The lake is easily accessible with parking areas near the dam and at Seibelsdorf, and a hotel called Michaela is nearby for overnight stays. Several marked walking trails circle the lake, including a circular route of about 10 kilometers that takes roughly two and a half hours to complete.

The dam's crown sits at 283 m above sea level, about 18 m above the valley floor, which is why the structure counts legally as a dam rather than a simple flood-retention basin. In the middle of the reservoir stands a tulip-shaped overflow shaft 15 m across, and a 130 m channel carries overflow beneath the dam to the Antrift. Since 2013 a turbine rated at 18 kW has generated electricity here.