Fuelbecketalsperre, reservoir

The Fuelbecketalsperre is a small dam in Märkischer Kreis near Altena, built between 1894 and 1896. The stone structure stands about 27 meters tall and 145 meters long, holding roughly 700,000 cubic meters of water, with its basin shaped by two streams flowing in from opposite directions.

The dam was built between 1894 and 1896 and was the first in the Sauerland region. It was created to provide water for local industry in the valleys, especially during dry seasons when natural flow could not sustain mills and factories.

The reservoir takes its name from the Fuelbecke stream, which enters the eastern arm; the western arm receives the Riethahner Bach. The dam was built by a water cooperative of hammer-works and mill operators, founded on 6 October 1893, to guarantee year-round water for their machinery. The cooperative is now dissolved and the city of Altena owns the dam.

Visitors can walk on marked trails around the water where signs provide information about local fish species. Access is free, but swimming and water sports are not permitted since the water serves the drinking supply.

The dam was designed by Prof. Intze of Aachen and built as a gravity wall of broken stone following the Intze principle. Around 1990 it was refurbished with a sealing wall placed in front and an inspection gallery was added inside. The nearby hotel with its restaurant closed in 2009, and the viewing platform above the dam can no longer be entered.