Obere Schleuse, reservoir in Germany

Obere Schleuse is a reservoir in Sebnitz, Germany, where visitors can take boat rides on calm water. The journey passes through a narrow gorge with high rock formations, clear water, and moss-covered stones that reflect light and create natural patterns.

In 1567 Elector August of Saxony ordered a wooden dam built on the Kirnitzsch to collect logs for rafting; it was replaced by a stone dam in 1816/17, and the present 7-metre dam dates from 1931 and is protected as a technical monument. Timber rafting continued until 1964, after which the site served tourism alone. Boat trips began on 25 May 1879 with the oak boat Saxonia, launched with forester Schlegel and Hinterhermsdorf residents.

The name Obere Schleuse ("Upper Lock") refers to the dam's role in holding back water for timber rafting. Since 25 May 1879 the Saxonia mountain club has run boat trips here; the first boat, an 800 kg oak launch also named Saxonia, was launched with forester Schlegel and Hinterhermsdorf residents present. Boatmen narrate the lock's history and local wildlife during the roughly 20-minute ride.

Wear sturdy shoes and plan for about 45 minutes of walking from the Buchenparkhalle parking area to reach the boat station. Boat rides last roughly 20 minutes and operate from April through October on most days.

The gorge holds one of Germany's tallest trees, a 59.30 m Norway spruce, among spruces over 200 years old. After bark beetles killed trees from 2021, over 550 were airlifted out by 900 helicopter flights in winter 2021/22 so boat trips could continue.