Förmitztalsperre

The Förmitztalsperre is a large dam and reservoir near Schwarzenbach an der Saale, holding around 120 hectares of water across the valley. The main dam stretches approximately 800 meters long and rises over 30 meters high, with a secondary dam managing water flow to maintain stability.

The dam was completed in 1977 and has since served to regulate water flow in the Saale River and protect the region from flooding. A connected power plant uses the stored water to generate electricity, linking water management with local energy needs.

The reservoir has become a social gathering place where residents and visitors spend their leisure time enjoying nature together. The lake shapes the region's recreational habits and is regularly visited by anglers, walkers, and families seeking outdoor activities.

The area is surrounded by wide, easy-to-walk paths suitable for visitors of all ages and offering access to open lawns. Benches and shaded spots are available for resting, and nearby towns have cafes and small shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.

The reservoir serves as a stopover for migrating birds, especially in spring and autumn, attracting waterfowl such as swans and ducks that pass through during their journeys. Bird watchers regularly visit with binoculars to observe and document the different species that use this location as a resting point.