Echinger Stausee, reservoir
The Echinger Stausee is an artificial reservoir near Eching in Bavaria, covering approximately 112 hectares with an average depth of about 6 feet (2 meters). Its shallow water is surrounded by reed beds and grassland, providing important habitat for waterfowl and insects.
The reservoir was built in 1929 as the final part of the Mittlere-Isar-Kanal series, created between 1921 and 1929 to divert water from the Isar River and generate electricity. In 1982, an area around the lake was designated as a bird sanctuary, and hunting was banned in 1995 to better protect wildlife.
The lake is named after the nearby village of Eching and remains an important destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from the surrounding area. The shallow shorelines and reed beds shape the landscape and show how people and nature coexist here.
The lake is accessible by car via the highway north of Munich and has a parking lot near the observation tower; on weekends, parking may be limited, so arriving early is advisable. A walking path around the lake provides different viewing spots, and visitors should keep dogs leashed and avoid loud noises to protect local wildlife.
The lake typically does not freeze completely in winter because water constantly flows through the facility, allowing waterfowl to find food and stay throughout the cold months. This feature makes the lake a rare refuge for migratory birds that would normally seek warmer regions.
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