Diemelsee, Reservoir in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Diemelsee is a reservoir on the border between Waldeck-Frankenberg and Hochsauerlandkreis in North Rhine-Westphalia. The water fills two long arms that wind through forested valleys and leave small beach areas and swimming spots at several points.
Construction work on the dam began in 1912 and lasted until 1923, interrupted by World War I. The facility was meant to regulate floods and provide hydropower, which represented a technical innovation for the region at the time.
The name comes from the Diemel river, which joins the Itter here to form a branched water body with quiet bays. Hikers follow a circular trail along the shore, while sailors and anglers prefer the calmer inlets.
The shore road connects several villages around the lake and offers parking with water access at many points. Those who want to explore the area on foot will find marked trails through the forest and along the bay.
The dam wall itself sits in the shade of tall trees and looks less imposing from the water side than from below. On sunny days, the forested hills reflect in the calm water and give the place an almost alpine feel.
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