Alb Basin, reservoir of the Alb river in the Southern Black Forest southeast of St. Blasien
The Alb Basin is a reservoir near St. Blasien in the Black Forest region, held back by a concrete gravity dam approximately 28 meters high. The water extends across the valley and is surrounded by dense forests and hills, with water levels that fluctuate based on regional energy demands.
The dam was completed in 1941 and has served since then for electricity generation and water flow regulation throughout the region. The facility is part of a larger network of water storage installations operated by Schluchseewerk, generating power for the area for many decades.
The name Albsee refers to the Alb stream that flows from the mountains and feeds the basin. Today it serves as a quiet gathering place where visitors walk the trails and spend time observing the birds and forest life around the water.
The site is easily accessible by car or bike, with paths leading directly to the dam and lake. Walking trails loop around the basin, including the Seerundweg route, and there is a Kneipp spa area where visitors can wade in the cool water.
Sediments that settle at the bottom of the lake are not removed but instead spread onto a small island in the middle of the water, creating habitat for birds and wildlife. This approach shows how the reservoir's operation works with nature rather than against it.
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