Speicherbecken Witznitz, Reservoir in Borna, Saxony, Germany

The Speicherbecken Witznitz is a large reservoir near Borna in Saxony, created in an old mining pit and held back by a dam. The lake covers between 210 and 570 hectares depending on water level and is surrounded by forests and fields.

The lake originated as a residual pit of the Witznitz I open-cast lignite mine northwest of Borna. Between 1950 and 1954 it was converted into a flood retention basin; water from the Eula and Wyhra can be diverted into it during floods. The dam structure was refurbished from 1995 to 1997. At full impoundment the water level reaches 133.50 m above sea level, and during floods 134.05 m, holding 27.33 million m³.

The name comes from the former Witznitz I open-cast lignite mine, worked until 1945, whose pit was flooded to form the lake. Today the water is used for commercial fishing, non-motorised boating and recreation, and anglers and walkers share the shore with the reservoir's flood-control role.

The area around the lake is easily accessible via paths and invites walking and cycling, especially on the natural trails around the water. Visitors should know that fishing is practiced and motorboats are not allowed, but small rowing boats and canoes are permitted.

At full impoundment the water surface sits at 133.50 m above sea level; during floods it rises to 134.05 m, when the basin holds up to 27.33 million cubic metres. Floodwater from the Eula and Wyhra rivers can then be diverted into the basin.