Möhne Reservoir

Möhne Reservoir is an artificial body of water in the Sauerland region, located between Soest and Arnsberg in North Rhine-Westphalia. The four connected basins store a combined total of 135 million cubic meters of water and are enclosed by a dam made of quarried stone.

The dam was completed in 1913 after five years of construction and stood as the largest in Europe at that time. British bombers damaged the structure during Operation Chastise in 1943, requiring it to be rebuilt.

The name comes from the Möhne river, which runs through forested valleys before being dammed at this point. Visitors often encounter the water while walking or cycling along the shore, where viewpoints and small restaurants offer places to pause.

A visit works well at any time of year, though spring and summer offer more options for walking and cycling. The paths along the water are mostly flat and well surfaced, making them suitable for families with children.

The dam wall measures 650 meters (2130 feet) in length and 40 meters (130 feet) in height and uses special construction features developed by Professor Otto Intze to improve stability. This technique was later applied to other dams across Europe.

Location: Möhnesee

Elevation above the sea: 211 m

GPS coordinates: 51.48333,8.06667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:54